Photo by Sarah Anne Hughes.
After a complicated voting process that included jogging and Instagram, Ben & Jerry’s revealed the name and flavor of its D.C.-centric ice cream today: Capitol Chill.
Chocolate ice cream was mixed with Divine Chocolate-covered cornflakes and combined with a caramel and marshmallow swirl. One Route 11 sweet potato chip was placed on the side, so no one was forced to eat it. While the name may have been a little disappointing (Capitol Hill seems to get all the attention from outsiders), this DCist editor can report that the ice cream was delicious. Somehow, a sweet potato chip and marshmallow really go well together.
The ice cream was revealed at a volunteer event, coordinated by the Vermont ice cream company and Flavorpill, held at the Farm at Walker Jones on K Street NW. Run by P.E. teacher and conservationist David Hilmy, the farm provides food to the public school and to the community. The farm produced 4,200 pounds of food last year, according to the Post.
About 100 people came out to help clear plots so produce could be grown. Hilmy, who said he was approached by Flavorpill to do the event, usually welcomes volunteers every third Sunday of the month. After the farming was done, the volunteers were given free ice cream, as well as grub from food truck Rito Loco.
So will anyone who didn’t attend today’s event get to taste Capitol Chill? That remains to be seen. Sean Greenwood, Ben and Jerry’s head of public relations, said if there’s enough interest the company may consider releasing the flavor to the masses. This would take about a year to accomplish, he said. Local franchise owners may also choose to carry the flavor in their stores. Washington’s taste buds will decide.

Volunteers at the Farm at Walker Jones who want ice cream.