Hansen's Sno Bliz

[Jason Perlow]

Hansen's Sno-Bliz. No other Sno Ball stand attracts such a loyal and dedicated following. It's my understanding that when the store is in full swing during the summer months, the line goes down the block.

Rachel and I had the privlege of being at Hansens on its opening day of the season. Honorable Judge Gerry Hansen, the son of Ernest Hansen, the inventor of the patented Sno Bliz machine, which makes shaved ice like no other machine in any other Sno Ball store, was there to serve us Sno Balls himself.

The Hansen's Sno-Bliz storefront, open for business, first day of the season, at around 5:30PM, with nobody lined up in front of the store -- an EXTREMELY rare occurance.

The Honorable Judge Gerry Hansen and Friends.

Hon. Judge Gerry Hansen demonstrating the unique physical qualities of Sno-Bliz Snow.

One of the two unique Sno-Bliz machines, which were invented and patented in the early 1930's. The design was never licensed out.

The Sno-Bliz flavor list. Sno-Bliz flavors are formulated by the Hansen family, and are a closely guarded secret.

A Sno-Bliz cup being filled. Hansen's produces a new Sno-Bliz cup every year to commemorate its many years of continuous operations. The 2005 cup has not yet been produced, due to the severity of Mr. Ernest's and Mrs. Mary's current health situation. Hansen's opened very late this year -- typically, the store opens in March.

Nector Cream and Cream of Chocolate combo, one of Hon. Judge Gerry's favorites. I have to say that this was the best Sno Ball I had all week -- the Hansens special flavors really do make a difference.

Happy Customers

[ronnie_suburban]

Wow! I'm thrilled to learn that Hansen's is still around. I lived in New Orelans (attended Tulane U.) from 1981-1983 and we used to hit Hansen's quite a bit. Since those days, I've still never encountered anything else like it anywhere. I'll be in New Orleans in July and now I cannot wait to get back there -- and take my cohorts with me. They are going to flip.

Thanks, Jason! You made my night

=R=

[Jason Perlow]

There's an interesting mini-essay on Sno Balls on Gumbopages.com:

http://www.gumbopages.com/food/dessert/sno-balls.html

[ronnie_suburban]

I tried to hit Hansen's yesterday but unfortunately it was closed when we visited at around 2:30 pm. We did end up grabbing some snowballs at Tee Eva's but they (specifically their flavors) weren't even close to what I remember them being at Hansen's.

Oh well, there's always next time.

=R=

[TAPrice]

Ernest Hansen Sr., who created the ice shaving machine still used by the Hansen snow ball stand, died last week at the age of 94.

T-P: Hansen Obit

[Rachel Perlow]

Thank you for letting us know, Todd. While any death is sad, Mr. Hansen led a full and honorable life and is talked about with love and respect by his family and all who knew him. What more can any of us hope for?

[TAPrice]

Very true. We would all be lucky to be so well regarded in life and in death.

And in Mr. Hansen's case, the machine and snow ball stand he created will continue after his death.

[Jason Perlow]

Ernest Hansen, inventor of the Snoball Machine, passed away earlier this month:

http://www.nola.com/archives/t-p/index.ssf...1600.xml&coll=1

[HungryC]

Nice story on Hansen's Sno Bliz on NPR Morning Edition this AM....listen at www.npr.org, click on Morning Edition.

[Rachel Perlow]

Link: Tasty Summertime Tradition Lives On in New Orleans

[pennbrew]

So sad to hear that the Hansens both passed away last year. I haven't had one in at least 15 years, but I hope to have another lemonade Sno Bliz someday........

[FistFullaRoux]

see also

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/business/3447791.html

A new generation continues the tradition. Making lemonade out of life's lemons.

[TAPrice]

Hansen's is open. I just drove by and confirmed it with my own eyes. I was, unfortunately, too stuffed from lunch to stop in and order a Sno Bliz. Perhaps tomorrow.

[bavila]

Another reason to be homesick this time of year. I'm so glad Ashley's carrying on.

[TAPrice]

Behold, the first snowball of the season. I went with Nectar Cream.

[HungryC]

I almost licked the monitor! Is it open on Mondays?

[TAPrice]

I almost licked the monitor!  Is it open on Mondays?

←

No. Ashley said Thursday through Sunday.

[Mayhaw Man]

Ashley Hansen, the SnoBliz Maiden, is back at it again. She did a soft opening for friends and family yesterday afternoon.

Life's good again at Hansen's Sno Bliz on Tchoupitoulas St.

An almond creme with condensed milk on top hit the spot. Today, well, I think it will be tart for me, lemon perhaps, but, no matter what I decide, it's all good.

Ain't nothing like 'em nowhere!

Edited May 7, 2008 by Mayhaw Man (log)

[JAZ]

Those who aren't familiar with Hansen's can read about it here, in Todd's Daily Gullet article.

[TAPrice]

I was there in line yesterday for a tart lemonade snoball. It was so good, I didn't mind waiting six months for Ashley to reopen.

[JennyUptown]

Sounds like a great bit of local color. Where is it exactly (either the address so I can map it or a description of where on Tchoupitoulas in relation to the CBD)? Thanks!

[HungryC]

It is located at the corner of Tchopitoulas & Bordeaux streets. I haven't been yet this season; tried to go last week, but I drove by too early in the day. Maybe this weekend....

[MikeHartnett]

does anyone happen to know hansen's hours? I drove by about 5 tonight and they were closed, but they have 1-7 painted on the outside of the building.

[TAPrice]

does anyone happen to know hansen's hours?  I drove by about 5 tonight and they were closed, but they have 1-7 painted on the outside of the building.

←

You went by on Tuesday, right? I think she's normally closed on Tuesday. If I remember right, last year Hansen's was open from Thursday to Saturday (or maybe Sunday?). I think she is opening on Wednesday this year.

[MikeHartnett]

does anyone happen to know hansen's hours?  I drove by about 5 tonight and they were closed, but they have 1-7 painted on the outside of the building.

←

You went by on Tuesday, right? I think she's normally closed on Tuesday. If I remember right, last year Hansen's was open from Thursday to Saturday (or maybe Sunday?). I think she is opening on Wednesday this year.

←

Thanks. I'll give it another shot.