It seems only fitting that July is National Ice Cream Month because it also happens to be the month that Salt & Straw carries my son’s favorite flavor (read on). So, in honor of that coincidence, I thought I’d provide you with a roundup of where to satisfy your ice cream cravings in and around Lake Oswego.
SALT & STRAW. I remember when the only storefront Salt n’ Straw had in Lake Oswego was a push cart parked at the corner of First and Evergreen. Now it’s one of the anchors of Lake View Village with lines out the door on warm summer evenings. What’s my son’s favorite flavor that happens to appear in every July Special Flavor lineup just in time for his July birthday? Birthday Cake and Blackberries. He usually loads up enough pints to last him for several months so consider it highly recommended. I also recommend ordering the ice cream flight—kid-size scoops of four different flavors with four waffle chips—especially if you have visitors in town. It’s a fun way to let everyone decide their favorite! And currently, there’s a buy 2 get the third one free special through July 31. 100 A Avenue, 503. 305.8267.
LAKE OSWEGO ICE CREAMERY. If you’re more of a traditionalist when it comes to ice cream and aren’t looking for flowers or bugs in your treat, then Lake Oswego Ice Creamery might be more your spot. Here you’ll find flavors like marionberry pie, moose tracks and yes, bubble gum. The milkshakes are the real deal too. 37 A Avenue 503.636.4933.
PORTLAND
GRACIE’S APIZZA. Yup, you read that right. A pizza joint that makes good enough ice cream that it makes the list. Fortunately, two of the owner’s favorite things happen to be two of mine too…and probably yours. This one-man operation is a popular place so online orders need to be placed early for the close to 70 pizzas he makes a night, but you can pick out your ice cream when you get there. Gracie’s shares some of Salt & Straw’s adventurous spirit with flavors like Bay Leaf, Malted White Truffle and Honey Ice Cream with Tehina Swirl. 8737 N. Lombard St., 971.512.0087.
RIPE COOPERATIVE. Usually when coffee shops also specialize in something else, my wife steers away from them, thinking that if they’re serious about their coffee, then that should be their focus. Apparently, her theory doesn’t hold true when it comes to restaurants that also make ice cream. This small café/market has a full menu for lunch and dinner but also features frozen custard on its dessert menu (you can also purchase it by the pint in the market). What’s the difference between frozen custard and ice cream? Frozen custard apparently has egg yolks added and less air incorporated which explains the extra creamy texture and silky smoothness. Flavors make it hard to choose and include: Fudgesicle, Cinnamon-Caramel Blondies and Hot Fudge Sundae. 5425 NE 30th Avenue, 503.841.6968.
FIFTY LICKS. If you’re a chocolate fan like myself, you need to try owner Chad Draizin’s Chocolate AF – a rich, and I mean rich dark chocolate ice cream made all that much richer with chunks of homemade chocolate ganache. And while you’re there wondering how you can convince Draizin to open up a location in Lake Oswego, you might as well try the French Toast, maple cinnamon ice cream with Grand Central brioche French toast chunks and a ribbon of dark maple syrup or Cornbread Honey Butter, a cult favorite with freshly baked cornbread chunks and a generous drizzle of honey butter. 2021 SE Clinton St., 954.294.8868.
KULFI. If you prefer your creaminess on a stick, Kulfi is your place. Named after a popular frozen dessert in South Asia, Kulfi is made by slowly simmering milk on the stove until it thickens, which results in a denser and creamier texture than ice cream. The owners then get creative with their flavors and add in ingredients like chocolate chip cookies from Hungry Heart Bakery, baklava, marionberries, and blue spirulina. The Mango Lassi, a mango and yogurt combo, is their most popular flavor. 5009 NE 15th Avenue, 503.249.3565.
KATE’S ICE CREAM. This is an equal opportunity ice cream shop scooping up plant-based and gluten-free flavors that ensures no one leaves feeling deprived—you can even get all that deliciousness in a plant-based, gluten-free cone! Now the dietary-challenged among you can enjoy flavors that are usually taboo like Funfetti Cake, Triple Chocolate Brownie and Mississippi Mayhem—cotton candy ice cream with rotating baked goods like brownies, cookies, oreos and sprinkles. 3713 N. Mississippi Avenue, 213. 545.1730.
WHAT’S THE SCOOP? Flavors here change constantly so best to call in to see what’s on the daily menu. But judging by their repertoire, odds are something will be calling your name like Cereal and Milk, Cobblers, Maple Jack Bacon Brittle, Peanut Butter S’mores or Spiced Chocolate Tequila (yes, liquor is one of the not-so-secret ingredients to some of their flavors). 3540 N. Williams Avenue, 971.266.1787.
NICO’S ICE CREAM. Fruit lovers, search no further. Inspired by New Zealand ice cream, Nico Vergara bought a blending machine called the Little Jem that swirls fruits (marionberry, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry) into vanilla ice cream, adds toppings and serves up these soft-serves in a cone, cup or waffle cone. Rotating specials are available in the store. 5713 NE Fremont Street, 503.489.8656.
PINOLO GELATERIA. Fortunately Pisa-born native Sandro Paolini relocated to Portland where he opened his own gelateria with the goal of giving Portlanders a true taste of this Italian treat. Year-round flavors include Cioccolato, Fior di Latte and Stracciatella while rotating flavors include Almond Fig, Cassata and Torrone. Dairy-free sorbetti flavors will also tempt you like the Lemon Basil. 3707 SE Division Street, 503.719.8686.
22 BELOW. Forget about scooping ice cream. At 22 Below they roll it and right before your eyes so you see your ice cream literally taking shape! Flavors run the gamut from more traditional like Parkers Lemonade to adventurous like Ice Cream Breakfast and Flaming Hot Cheetos. 16200 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard, 971.347.4035 and 615 SW 19th Avenue, Portland, 503.509.6434.
CLOUD CITY. You should definitely hit this spot during your birthday month as they feature Horoscope flavors that combine elements research suggests people are attracted to based on their sign. There are lots of other reasons to visit Cloud City as well like Totes Ma’Gotes, a chevre-based ice cream with house-made lemon curd swirls and Sasquatch Tracks with fudge ripple, peanut butter cups and dark chocolate shavings. 4525 SE Woodstock Blvd., 971.222.7765.
AFFOGATO. This is a two-for-one deal for you coffee and ice cream lovers out there. This place makes their own ice cream and roasts their own coffee. Put the two together and you get….an affogato! The combination is a direct ticket to happiness. 8712 N. Lombard, 503.991.4200.
MORE AFFOGATO. You can also try an affogato at Pinolo Gelateria.
Do you have a favorite you’d like to add? Please share it with my readers.
Besides chocolate, I also love helping clients buy or sell their homes so if you’re in the market to do either, please give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and/or check out my website. I’ve been eating chocolate my entire life and only selling homes for the last 30+ but I consider myself an expert in both and would love to put my knowledge to work for you!.
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