It’s hot, sunny and bright, which means only one thing – ice cream season is here. And, whether your preferences run to classic, old-fashioned vanilla, an expressive gelato, or a revolutionary ice cream sandwich, all your cold wishes are answered here. Don’t forget to pace yourselves.
Bella Gelateria
Think of James Coleridge as the godfather of gelato in Vancouver. The internationally award-winning artisan uses old-word methods (such as hand mixing, local organic milk, quality ingredients) to whip up his deadly series of flavours. Last year Coleridge’s entry at the International World Gelato Competition in Italy won him both the judges’ and peoples’ choice awards. Flavours change daily and weekly, depending on what’s in season and who Coleridge partners with. The only constant is the sheer delight when consuming a scoop or three. Try the Akbar Mashti, a heady combination of saffron, rosewater and pistachio, or the honey nougat.
Bella Gelateria | 1001 West Cordova | 604-569-1010 | BellaGelateria.com
Rain or Shine
Industry newbies and couple Josie Fenton and Blair Casey opened Rain or Shine with the idea of sourcing local ingredients and creating high-quality old-fashioned ice cream. Classic flavours like vanilla, chocolate, salted caramel share space with more new-fangled pairings like London fog and blueberry balsamic. The latter is absolutely stellar, as are their more seasonal selections. Honey blue cheese is surprisingly satisfying, hitting the right balance between sweet and savoury. And they also have milkshakes! Choose your own flavours for cones or cups, then add from a selection of toppings like blood orange olive oil or red wine reduction.
Rain or Shine Ice Cream | 102-1926 West 4th | 604-428-7246 | RainOrShineIceCream.com
Brown Paper Packages
Like the song says, these are a few of my favourite things. Owner Ashley Watson has an inspired palate and a devilish imagination. Goat cheese and blueberry ice cream between two oatmeal-lemon cookies is divine, as is the Cardamalmond, a cardamom, honey and almond ice cream laid out between lemon-almond cookie layers. No storefront, but find them at Pazzo Chow in Chinatown or just get them delivered in bulk. Trust me, they won’t be lying around long enough to go to waste.
Brown Paper Packages | BrownPaperPackages.ca
Earnest Ice Cream
This “earnest” endeavour first was born at the local farmers’ markets, and word was spread by way of a bike-mounted portable cooler. A rotating selection of purely seasonal flavours, such as the eerily good sour cherry-chocolate chip or the Matchstick Espresso Flake, will keep you addicted all summer long. For vegans, there are a solid half-dozen choices, all based on coconut milk, that sacrifice none of the richness or flavour of traditional ice cream. Peanut butter chocolate or cookies and cream are my recommendations for a sunny afternoon.
Earnest Ice Cream | 3992 Fraser | 604-428-0697 | EarnestIceCream.com
Glenburn Soda Fountain
While Glenburn doesn’t make its own ice cream, they do show great taste in carrying the offerings of Birchwood Dairy. Sauces and toppings are made in house, and can be matched with a dizzying array of sodas, cones, milkshakes, malteds floats and sundaes, as well as fountain sodas. Think of it as a classic soda jerk shop from the ‘40s, thanks to a lovely husband-and-wife team (Ron and Roberta LaQuaglia) who have made their Burnaby Heights neighbourhood sit up and take notice. Try the coffee-strawberry milkshake or the Brooklyn egg cream for kicks.
Glenburn Soda Fountain & Confectionary | 4090 East Hastings St. | 604-500-4548 | GlenburnSoda.com
