Gourmet Guide: Sweet Summer Treats

     For the uninitiated, the Gourmet Club is Neopia’s premiere eating establishment that celebrates the consumption of delicacies from all across Neopia — yes, even the depths of Moltara and the stars beyond Kreludor! Eating even a single selection from the list (AKA foods with rarities between 90 and 100) is enough to consider yourself eligible to join the club’s prospective membership list. However, to gain full membership (which comes with a shiny trophy for your lookup and bragging rights for all eternity), you’ll need to stuff yourself quite full. The current number to reach even an honorary membership badge is 1,255 unique meals; not for the faint of heart or the small-stomached!

     The list below is but a small sampling of selections, curated to satisfy your sweet tooth this summer as you work towards your membership. I’ve rated each one on a 1-5 scale based on sweetness level, novelty, rarity, and of course, how delicious it is! So what are we waiting for? Let’s dig in!

     Notes: This dual-flavour smoothie is satisfying and zingy, and features only natural sugars for those of you who want to balance out your treats with something at least semi-healthy. Though not very original, the benefit of this treat is that you can easily find it at any smoothie stand from Altador to Mystery Island. A perfectly easy treat to start off your sweet gourmet summer!

     Cake Batter Ice Lolly

     Sweetness Level: ★★★★★

     Novelty: ★★

     Rarity: ★★

     Deliciousness: ★★★★★

     Notes: Can’t decide between cake or ice cream? With this treat, there’s no need to! With the rich flavour of cake and the creamy goodness of ice cream, plus some sprinkles on top for good measure, this ice lolly is an absolute delight. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to turn an average day into a celebratory one, you can’t go wrong with this treat!

     

     Red Moltite Popsicle

     Sweetness Level: ★★★

     Novelty: ★★★★

     Rarity: ★★★★★

     Deliciousness: ★★★

     Notes: This treat stands out as one of the few ice-cold offerings from Molten Morsels, bringing some cool relief to the sweltering heat of a visit to Moltara. I’d describe the flavour as tart yet earthy, almost like a mix between cherry and charcoal. While an acquired taste for most pets, it’s certainly unique and just the right treat for those looking to expand their palate!

     

     Banana Split Chia Pop

     Sweetness Level: ★★★★

     Novelty: ★

     Rarity: ★★

     Deliciousness: ★★★★

     Notes: Banana splits are a classic summer selection, but aren’t exactly easy to eat on the go for those of us who are busy hopping from one warm-weather adventure to the next. Hence the appeal of this Chia Pop, which packs all the delightful flavours of a banana split into one deliciously easy-to-consume treat! Whether you’re scuba diving in Maraqua, water skiing past Dacardia, or soaking up the sun in Altador, you’ll be glad you picked up one of these treats for a portable sugar rush!

     

     Hot Fudge Sundae

     Sweetness Level: ★★★★

     Novelty: ★

     Rarity: ★

     Deliciousness: ★★★★★

     Notes: Speaking of classics, you can’t get more traditionally summer than with a good ol’ Hot Fudge Sundae! Ice-cold vanilla ice cream topped with steaming hot fudge, with colourful sprinkles and a generous dollop of whipped cream… Is your stomach growling too, or is it just me? It may not be rare or unique, but sometimes the most classic treats are the hardest to beat when it comes to sweet tooth satisfaction!

     

     Freeze Dried Ice Cream Sandwich

     Sweetness Level: ★★★★★

     Novelty: ★★★

     Rarity: ★★

     Deliciousness: ★★★★

     Notes: A fun, stellar twist on another classic sweet treat, this ice cream sandwich is especially perfect for those who aren’t a fan of the way the summer sun usually turns frozen treats into drippy, sticky messes. With a satisfying crunch and flavours you know and love, this treat is sure to satisfy, and can be equally enjoyed on a space walk around outside Virtupets Station or while basking in the summer sun Neopia-bound!

     

     Ground Beef Smores

     Sweetness Level: ★

     Novelty: ★★★★★

     Rarity: ★★★★

     Deliciousness: ★

     Notes: A savoury twist on a traditional summer camping dessert, this treat is… certainly interesting! While I may not be a personal fan, this might be just what you need as a palate cleanser between the rest of these sweet treats. Honestly speaking though, I’d only recommend this one if you’re a true carnivore at heart, looking to spice up your camping trip with a dare, or truly dedicated to trying every Gourmet Food there is.

     

     Ghost Marshmallows

     Sweetness Level: ★★★★★

     Novelty: ★★★

     Rarity: ★★

     Deliciousness: ★★★★★

     Notes: Trust me when I say that these adorably delicious marshmallows are a much sweeter and tastier treat for summer camp-outs! They’re almost too cute to eat, with their sweet smiles and winking eyes, but as soon as you get a taste, I think you’ll find that you’ll be popping them in your mouth before you even get a chance to roast them and stick them in s'mores! They’re easy enough to find in bulk when visiting the Haunted Woods, and perfect for camping or at-home snacking.

     

     Cherry Lemonade Slushie

     Sweetness Level: ★★★

     Novelty: ★★★★

     Rarity: ★★★★★

     Deliciousness: ★★★★

     Notes: It may be tough to find this blindingly delicious slushie for sale, but if you do, brace yourself for a truly terrific tasting experience! There are some who suggest that it flashes with Light Faerie magic… whether or not that’s true, it’s certainly a delicious twist on traditional lemonade, and sure to hit just the right sweet spot on a hot summer’s day!

     

     Simmered Tropical Fruit Bowl

     Sweetness Level: ★★★★

     Novelty: ★★★

     Rarity: ★★★★

     Deliciousness: ★★★

     Notes: For those of you who consider fruits to belong on dessert menus, this final selection is for you! Mystery Island’s best is on display here: Mashed Marafalop and Sliced Phear is served in a Pink Chokato bowl, with a dollop of tropical pink whipped cream for good measure. Though I’m one to prefer chocolate desserts over fruit ones, even I must admit that this summer treat is sweet in all the right ways, and an excellent choice for those who may need something a bit more natural to balance out their Gourmet tastings.

     Whether you try just one of these gourmet treats or all ten, I do hope you enjoy your sweet summer feast! Until next we meet, this is Squire Sprinkle Spoon signing off. Happy feasting!