Here’s the Scoop

Okay, the last few weeks were a little chilly and the warm weather might not be here for long. But are you going to let iffy weather curtail your summertime ice-cream outings?

We thought not. So we took it upon ourselves to scout out the most interesting ice cream venues. We know, tough job, but someone has to do it…. Here’s our collection of tips, in an assortment of flavours:

Rainbow is the only word to describe La Casa Gelato’s legendary range of ice cream flavours—218 flavours on display at any one time! Parking is easy and free samples are plentiful. (Dill pickle, anyone? How about wasabi?) Take part in a Vancouver tradition by visiting this Misceo family business in East Vancouver.

Orange you glad we found out about Brazza Gelato & Coffee on Lonsdale in North Van? This friendly spot is renowned for its excellent coffee, smooth as silk, and boasts homemade gelato to match. A variety of flavours, including many non-dairy and non-sugar options.

Mango: As in, if you and your man go to Vancouver Island this summer, do what any self respecting ice cream aficionado would do and make a pit stop at the fabulous Coombs General Store. A SavvyMom can get cones for her beloved and kids—not just because the ice cream’s cheap and yummy, but because it will buy you some extra time to browse around at this funky market/tourist attraction that’s infamous for the goats often found grazing on the roof. (A sneaky trick that’s transferable to a variety of holiday destinations.)

Peachy Keen is how all your cones will taste if they are part of a family-fun summer afternoon. Here are some great destination spots at which a frozen finale can be the icing on the cake:

• Burnaby Village Museum is a fun day out whether it’s cloudy or sunny. Tour the historic village, have a ride on the restored carousel, and then top off your visit with a trip to their old-fashioned ice cream parlour.
• Take a family field trip to the oldest continuously operated dairy in B.C., the Avalon Dairy at 7985 North Fraser Way in Burnaby. You can buy some organic or conventional ice cream to take home, and arrange for home delivery of their products if you like the thought of getting your milk delivered in old-fashioned glass bottles.

Enjoy your outings. No matter your favourite flavour—plain vanilla and beyond—we’re sure you’ll find something (n)ice to go in that cone this summer.

P.S. The ice cream at Mario’s Gelati Amato Gelato Café is mouth watering but because the parking there can sometimes get complicated our savvy tip is to order your fave flavour in bulk ($41 for 5.7 litres) and enjoy it in the peace and quiet of your own home. It’s a bargain compared to the $13-16 that many gelato places charge for a single litre. You can also stock up on individual servings of tartufo, spumoni, and other frozen Italian desserts that would make a lovely ending to a summer dinner party.

La Casa Gelato
www.lacasagelato.com
(604) 251-3211
1033 Venables St.

Brazza Gelato & Coffee
(604) 904-2333
1846 Lonsdale Ave.

Mario’s Gelati
www.amatogelato.com
(604) 879-9411
88 East 1st Ave.

Avalon Dairy
www.avalondairy.com
(604) 456-0550
7985 North Fraser Way