Although the forecast predicts rain
through Sunday, we have also experienced some seriously warm weather this week.
In the beginning of the week, weather was hot in the suburbs and perfect at the
beach. This inspired me to go on an ice cream hunt! Below is a list compiled of
the top ice cream places that I found in the San Fernando Valley! (And keep
reading for treats that are only a short drive away!).
- Quenelle in Burbank. Quenelle
caught my eye because I didn’t know how to pronounce the name (true story), but
kept my attention because of the unique and ambitious flavors—combinations like
yuzu mojito and blackberry lychee; or blueberry pie with crumbly pieces of
crust folded into the fruity swirl. YUM!
- Get Shaved in Northridge! This is a
great spot for students at CSUN—it’s right by campus. Get Shaved offers shaved
ice with delicious ice cream flavors, all topped different flavors and
sweetened condensed milk! The hype has died down, but it’s definitely still a
perfect treat for a hot summer day!
- McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams in
Studio City. There are so many incredible flavor combinations here and each
flavor is so creamy. I first had McConnel’s in Santa Barbara, but when it came
to the SFV, I got so excited because it’s some of the best ice cream I have ever
had. The environment is awesome, as it pays homage to Santa Barbara! Indoor
seating is available. But be careful—parking is a bit of a struggle over here!
- CREAM in Northridge. Cream is
always worth it. You choose your cookies and you choose your ice cream to make
the perfect ice cream sandwich. Being that I went to a university in Northern
California and driving to Diddy Riese is such a hassle sometimes, I was
seriously missing Cream. Until I found out that we have it in the SFV! Check it
out!
- Dreamy Creations in Northridge.
Cupcakes. Ice Cream. Frozen Yogurt. What else could you need?! Although this is
primarily a cupcake café, I was determined to try their frozen custard and it
was delicious! Check them out—they won Cupcake Wars!
- La Reyna de Michoacan in Reseda.
These flavors make you forget you’re in the valley at all—you feel like you’re
somewhere in the tropics! The ice cream has an incredibly soft texture and it
isn’t too sweet. Don’t let the outside fool you—these flavors are delicious!
- Amarinyo Gelateria in Van Nuys.
They have a variety of gelato flavors that I’ve never even heard of before. The
coffee and gelato are hand-crafted by the man himself who provides incredible
customer service and takes pride in his shop. Ask him about the store name! Definitely
visit this place. The cups are small so you don’t pig out J
- Gelato Bar & Espresso Caffe in
Studio City. I am a sucker for ice cream and coffee. This place nails them
both. The flavors are so different—i.e. blood orange. There are 24 daily
selections of gelato and sorbetto flavors, which are hand crafted! This
artisanal Italian-styled gelato and premium coffee bar is a perfect place to
pull up a chair, sip some coffee, snack on some gelato, red a book, or hang out
with a friend! And there’s a huge plus—they serve Affogatos. A coffee and ice
cream hybrid. Brilliant.
- Wanderlust Creamery in Tarzana. I’m
obsessed with this place. With flavors like Earl Grey and Abuelita Malted
Crunch, you can’t go wrong. The smell when you walk in is overpowering in the best
way—it’s so sweet, but something you can’t quite put your finger on. And,
having lived in Ireland, I find myself craving the Irish Brown Bread ice cream
on the daily. Check this place out.
IF YOU DON’T MIND THE
DRIVE:
Handel’s Ice Cream in
Redondo Beach is one of the top ice cream places in THE WORLD! Handel's success has
been documented in many national publications including USA Today,People Magazine, Chocolatier
Magazine, and US News and
World Report. Recently published books The 10 Best of Everything and Everyone Loves Ice Cream both recognize Handel's as one of
the best ice creams in the world. I crave the Graham Central Station
flavor all the time—it’s a perfect beach day treat. Even if there’s a line,
WAIT. It’s worth it.
