If someone told you that he or she grew up eating ice cream while riding on a large pink elephant carousel, you would probably think acid trip. That is, unless you are from Cleveland. Those of us who hail from the west side know that Malley's is a somewhat bizarre albeit magically delicious establishment. From the frozen in time waitresses in green polyester uniforms to the large circus animal heads adorning the walls, the place is part Willy Wonka, part Dr. Suess - and authentically Cleveland. The soda jerks behind the counter are high school kids in white shirts, black pants and bow ties. You are served by an actual waitress, and are given a bowl of thin and salty pretzels to enjoy with your ice cream. In Cleveland, this is how we do!
I have been enjoying the "Black & White Sundae" (that's vanilla ice cream with cold Malley's fudge sauce and chocolate ice cream with marshmallow fluff topped with whipped cream and a cherry) since I could walk. Occasionally I have mixed it up with the "Fresh Frozen Strawberry Sundae." And if you have to ask what fresh frozen strawberries are, then you're not from Cleveland. But you will love this place all the same. It is an institution. And their hot fudge sauce and chocolate covered pretzels belong in the Smithsonian.