Shake, Shake, Shake it Off!

Thank goodness I’m not lactose intolerant. Not having the liberty to enjoy all the ice cream and milkshakes in the world would simply crush my being. But before this thought saddens me even more, let’s get right to the point.

Simply put, dairy is my friend, and there’s nothing stopping me from indulging in as many sweet, frothy milkshakes as my heart desires. Sinfully decadent frozen ice milk makes the endless weeks of humid, sticky weather somewhat bearable. Just “shake” it off.

And while I am a self-proclaimed milkshake connoisseur, I’m not a milkshake snob. Be it a chocolate milkshake from Jack in the Box that hits the spot at 1 a.m. or The Fruity Cereal Milk Shake from Momofuku Milk Bar in New York — that’s worth traveling 4,906 miles on a 10-hour flight for — if it’s a milkshake, I’m happy.

So this week, I accomplished another life goal, which is to get paid for slurping up milkshakes. (I know my goals are quite small, but very filling nonetheless.) Oh yes, this week, OYK readers, I demolished shakes like I never have before. Here are a couple of my favorite spots I think whip it real good.

Big City Diner

Any establishment with “diner” at the end of its name immediately stirs up thoughts of time-honored American classics. Did someone say milkshakes? Because that’s almost as classic as it gets. But in true Big City Diner fashion, the restaurant adds a gorgeous touch of island flair with locally made Bubbie’s ice cream as a base. My favorite.

“A great shake starts with good ice cream,” says executive chef Dennis Franks.

And you gotta love Big City Diner’s old-fashioned Chocolate and Vanilla Shakes (each priced at $4.99 for a “not so big” order and $5.99 for a large).

“Everyone is a kid at heart, and milkshakes help to bring that out,” states Franks with a smile.

It doesn’t matter if you’re zealous for chocolate or have a love for vanilla. Regardless of the ice cream flavor, it’s all about authentic heavy cream (no artificial mix-ins) blended to the perfect thickness. BCD’s staff also can add whole milk into the mix. And what’s a proper milkshake without whipped cream and a cherry on top? So, of course, those are given.

For traditionalists, BCD knows strawberry, chocolate and vanilla are essential milkshake flavors. The diner also goes the extra mile to add an essence of real strawberries and chocolate drizzle to its shakes.

Big City Diner
Ward Entertainment Center
1060 Auahi St.
591-8891

Bob’s Big Bear Diner

Bob’s Big Bear Diner’s Oreo and Creamsicle Milkshakes ($4.95 each)

Shake on over to Bob’s Big Bear Diner in Waipahu Town Center, where its breakfast, lunch and dinner options just make you feel good. And keeping with American tradition, the family-friendly diner offers fresh and frosty shakes, including Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla for the purists, and Creamsicle and Oreo flavors are proudly served as well. Priced at $4.95 (malted shakes $5.25), all shakes use three full scoops of ice cream, the desired syrup and other special ingredients to create a concoction that overflows with creamy indulgence.

“We truly make our shakes using the best ingredients, and they’re made by hand with a classic stainless steal cup and mixer,” says general manager Jetta Serikawa.

To go along with its mouthwatering burgers and fries, Bob’s Big Bear whips up liquid decadence that’s just the right amount of sweet.

The eatery also turns out Coke and Orange Freezes ($4.50 each) for its soda fountain aficionados.

Bob’s Big Bear Diner
Waipahu Town Center
94-030 Farrington Hwy.
676-3440