We All Scream for Ice Cream
June 27th, 2011With warmer weather and sunnier skies ahead, my thoughts turn to one of my favorite summer treats: ice cream. At Portland grocery stores, it’s easy to find the big national brands, as well as a plethora of locally made treats. Other made-in-Portland ice creams appear only at their dedicated establishments, where you can pick up cones, sundaes or to-go pints for late-night hotel snacking.
Ruby Jewel: The best-known Portland ice cream creator, Ruby Jewel is famous for their delicious artisan ice cream sandwiches. My favorite is the honey lavender ice cream/lemon cookie combination. Grab their goodies at local farmers’ markets, New Seasons Markets and their own retail location on North Mississippi Avenue.
Fifty Licks: Pioneering creative combinations like Slabtown Whiskey, Stumptown Coffee and the sinfully delicious vegan Coconut Saffron Lemon Sorbet, Fifty licks is a mobile cart at Southeast Belmont and 43rd. Their offerings are also available around town at spots like Prasad and Pacific Pie Co.
Salt & Straw: This “farm to cone” cart on Northeast Alberta eagerly anticipates the opening of their scoop shop at the end of the summer. In the meantime, they’ll be in front of Aviary, offering sea salt ice cream with caramel ribbon, honey balsamic strawberry with cracked pepper, pear with blue cheese and other decadent meal-in-a-cone creations.
Lovely’s Fifty-Fifty: Located just down the street from Ruby Jewel’s popular shop, Lovely’s features wood-fired pizzas and their own brand of frozen fun with malted milk ball, huckleberry buttermilk and coffee toffee ice creams.
Cool Moon Ice Cream: Get your ice cream to go during “happy hour” (4-6 p.m. daily), when pints of flavors like Chocolate Zinfandel, Candied Ginger and Good Bye Yellow Brickle Road are only $4 at this Pearl District creamery.
More local purveyors — and top Portland chefs — will also be featured in the “Ice Cream Churn-a-ment” at Pioneer Courthouse Square from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 8. Can’t make it to Portland? Look for these Oregon alternative’s to Edy’s, Breyers and the other big names:
Tillamook: This famous maker produces more than just cheese. Unsurprisingly, the standouts feature Pacific Northwest favorites like strawberry, Marionberry and black cherry.
Umpqua: Unlike some other brands, Umpqua still serves up a full 1.75 quart size of frozen goodness. This Southern Oregon dairy offers a few standard flavors, plus seasonal offerings like caramel apple and pistachio almond.
Tags: dessert, Ice cream, local, local food
