We Scream For Gourmet Ice Cream
Ice cream; the classic summer treat that comes in a variety of delicious flavors. There are many different types of ice cream, and different shops take their own approaches to making unique flavors for certain demographics. In this generation of “foodies,” there are many more exciting options to choose from beyond just the classics. From your standard vanilla or chocolate to more exotic choices like honey lavender or Earl Grey tea, there is an ice cream flavor for you to enjoy.
The Bay Area has many places to enjoy a scoop of ice cream. While the usual go-to places may be large companies like Baskin Robbins and Coldstone Creamery, who offer a wide range of flavors, there are also a number of small businesses that are hidden gems. I visited two small-batch creameries in the area, and they were both phenomenal in different ways.
The first place I went to try is called Mission City Creamery, which is nestled in a corner on Park Ave and near Santa Clara University. It was established in 2013 and is family owned and operated. All twenty flavors they offer are homemade with organic dairy from Strauss Farms. Mission City Creamery also offers sundaes, banana splits, ice cream cakes, milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, hot sandwiches, and fries. In addition, customers also have the option to purchase a pint of ice cream to take home for $6.25 and quarts for $9.75. The inside of this small parlor is retro and 1950’s inspired with red seats and faux-marble tables.
Some of the popular flavors include Sea Salted Caramel, Honey Lavender, and Mint Cookie. I ordered a scoop of Coffee Heath with homemade hot fudge sauce, and it was absolutely delicious and melted in my mouth. The ice cream was perfectly creamy and thick, and the scoop size was very generous. I also tried the Rocky Road, which had a lot of almonds and marshmallows, and the Peppermint Stick as well. Overall, I was very satisfied with the variety of the flavors and the quality of the ice cream. I also liked the family-friendly feel to the place.
The second place I tried is called Tin Pot Creamery, and has a location in Palo Alto across from Stanford University and in downtown Los Altos. I visited the storefront in Los Altos and was impressed by how aesthetically pleasing it was. The yellow awning was warm and inviting and the inside decor was a tasteful combination of modern and country-chic. The outside seating area was beautifully landscaped as well. Like Mission City, all of their ice creams and toppings are homemade and organic.
Tin Pot sells homemade ice cream, floats, banana splits, waffle bowls, cookies, brownies, cakes, and pints to take home. They also offer catering services for events. Some of their most popular flavors include Four Barrel Coffee, Cookie Monster, Malted Milk, and the unique Earl Grey Tea. I tried the Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie, and it had the perfect combination of rich dark chocolate and salty peanut butter. One customer who ordered the Mint Chocolate Chip said that it is “absolutely wonderful and tastes like real mint.” Tin Pot was very modern and appealing to millennial foodies.
Though the two small-batch creameries were very different, they both offered a delicious variety of flavors and served high quality products. While Mission City Creamery was more retro and family-oriented, Tin Pot was more aesthetic and urban. Anyone who loves ice cream will appreciate these companies’ twists on the classic flavors. So if you have any spare time this summer, get out and explore a few of these charming local places!
