Reviewing Philadelphia's More Than Just Ice Cream AKA Mojos

Almost all of us are familiar with More Than Just Ice Cream, aka MOJOs (an old nick-name I'm intent to bring back), so I won't wax on about the comfortable interior, the casual atmosphere or the friendly staff. Lets focus on the new menu MOJOs recently rolled out. I'd been happily ordering the MOJOs chili for the past deccade, but I was up for the adventure.

Dinner started off with a healthy portion of the fresh guacamole. Served with a side of warm corn chips, the avocado dip was refreshing and a pleasant surprise. I'm not a huge avocado fan, but MOJO's concoction was fresh and appealing enough that we cleaned the bowl with no complaints.

Following the guacamole, we tried the baked mac & cheese. If you no me, you know I am a sucker for cheese. Love the dairy. MOJO's Mac didn't disappoint, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni in a light cheese sauce topped with fresh stewed tomatoes. Paired with a side of balsamic greens, the Mac & Cheese is worthy of elevation from appetizer to entrée status.

My partner, in keeping with his New Year's resolutions, ordered the south western flank steak salad. A pile of chopped romaine, plum tomatoes, red onion and corn topped with a tangy chipotle ranch dressing and steak. The star attraction was the tender and fatless steak, with just the perfect hint of spices.
On the other side of the table, I worked over a plate of grilled brined pork chops. Topped with warm apple compote; the pork chops are worthy of a 4 diamond rating themselves. These little piggies were plated next to the largest side of steamed lemon broccoli I have ever seen. Green and gigantic, they almost overshadowed the heaping mound of homemade mash.

You can't decline desert at MOJOs, after all, it's what they really do best. Appetizers and entrees are incredible, but MOJOs is known for it's sweets selection. Diabetics are warned: you may want to stop reading. Our waistline destroyer was the waffle & ice cream. If you're sinning, sin big. The made-to-order fresh hot waffle isn't heavy; it's a light perfect compliment to the mound of ice cream placed on top. We choose a chocolate yogurt (cutting a few calories) with Reeses Peanut Butter topping and whipped crème. Definitely a dessert you should plan on sharing, unless of course you're just getting over a relationship...then make a pig of yourself. MOJOs ice cream has gotten me through several vicious break-ups. (The moose tracks flavor is better than a session with Dr. Phil.)

After our meal, we pondered the longevity of MOJOs in a city that has restaraunts open and close within months. Is it the consistently good food, served quickly and inexpensively by familiar faces? Is it the location, at the crossroads of our LGBTQ village? Is it the relaxed atmosphere that is suitable for a date and/or break-up? These are questions that can only be pondered over a steaming bowl of chili followed by a waffle topped with ice cream. Meet you there.

MORE THAN JUST ICE CREAM, 1119 Locust St, 215-574-0586, 10am-10pm daily, $$.