Local Ice Cream Round Up
We’ve had some unbelievably agreeable temperatures this spring, but as we hit the summer solstice next week, we know that intense sun, humidity and punishing heat is right around the corner. At least when it’s time to cool off, it’s not too hard to find a quality, local option for a frozen dessert. Here are a few of our favorite Atlanta spots:
High Road
Although they don’t have their own shop, you can pick up pints of this local maker at Atlanta Whole Foods. Our personal favorite of their “chef-driven” craft flavors is the Bourbon Burnt Sugar, made with the real stuff. But a close second is Caffeine and Cacao, created with coffee and the local handiwork from top chocolate shop, Cacao. Look for their new flavor Whiskey Caramel.
Honeysuckle
Mixing inspiration from the South with the decadence of gelato, this food truck uses dairy and fruits from Georgia farms. Southern ingredients are found in each flavor, including Bourbon Pecan with local nuts,Lunar Pastry with RC Cola, Mint Julep with Kentucky bourbon, and Ginger Molasses with the pure, blackstrap sweet stuff. Check their website for current location.
Jake’s
By now it seems most Atlantans have at least heard of Chocolate Slap Yo Mama. What started with about eight flavors has grown into more than 100 different whacky options – many of them inspired by loyal customers. The Old Fourth Ward shop serves up all natural selections made with hormone free dairy and organic sugar.
Morelli’s
Since 2008, this husband-and-wife creation has been churning out some of the best homemade ice cream in the country – with plenty of accolades to prove it. Their rich, signature flavor, Salted Caramel, is a good place to start, but their other creative options (about 20 at a time) like Sea Monkey, East Indian Kulfi and Peanut Butter Guava, are worth the extra scoops. The original walk-up shop is located on Moreland Ave, and a second location is now at the Edgewood Shopping Center.
Paolo’s
The local Italian gelato king has set up shop in Virginia-Highland for 10 years. Using only the freshest fruit and ingredients (we tried one made that day from a rose bush in his yard), this is the best store in Atlanta for the European specialty. You can also create your own flavor on his website and pick it up a few days later.
Westside Creamery
Making the extra – and much appreciated – effort to use as many local Georgia ingredients as possible in their small batches of frozen confections, this food truck is making its mark with their ice cream sandwiches, including an oatmeal cream pie. Often spotted at farmer’s markets, check Twitter for their most current location.
Bonus: Check out Slow Food Atlanta’s annual Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social on Saturday, June 23 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Peachtree Road Farmer’s Market. $15 gets you a chance to taste and vote on creations by local chefs.
