The South Loop was in desperate need of an ice cream store—and, thanks to the Marble Slab Creamery, it's now got one that mashes ultra-rich ice cream with fruits, nuts, candy and cookies. It's part of a chain that has been around since 1983, but there is an emphasis on freshness that's evident in its waffle cones, which are available in flavors like vanilla-cinnamon and are baked at the store, not delivered.

In some ways, Marble Slab Creamery is selection overload: Even with the store's creation ideas (like strawberries 'n' cream, which includes two scoops of fruit mixed with sweet-cream ice cream), picking your mix-in items is hard enough, but you also have to choose an ice cream from flavors like cheesecake and chocolate amaretto. But once you do pick, your work is over. Then it's up to the store, which is located on a quiet stretch of South Michigan Avenue, to pound together the ice cream and toppings on its frozen marble slab. And voila; dessert is done. Just make sure you get there before Marble Slab Creamery closes at 10 p.m.—or bring friends, because the store stays open later if enough hungry people are waiting.

Centerstage Reviewer: Erin Brereton