Summer’s Here: Let’s Eat Ice Cream

It’s already been hot as hell for over a month in Austin so the official arrival of Summer is not really that big of a deal. However, it provides your faithful scribe with an opportunity to focus on some lighter and cooler (as in temperature) eats to mark the true arrival of the dog days.

The first obvious thought for keeping cool is ice cream. We certainly have our share of suggestions on that front.

Amy’s continues to be a local favorite and shows no signs of slowing down. Love their Mexican Vanilla pounded and rolled with some M&M’s. Yum.

Newcomers like Licks Honest Ice Creams on S Lamar and Burnet stun me with flavors like Hill Country Honey and Vanilla Bean. And that’s one of the daily flavors. Another is the stunning Texas Sheet Cake. I love the rich character of their offerings.

Ashley Cheng’s nitrogen spun delights at Spun on E 7th near Salt and Time are quickly catching on. I love the new salted caramel at Spun, literally made as you watch. Great one-two punch: lunch at a Salt and Time and then dessert at Spun. The idea is that using nitrogen produces smaller, more condensed ice crystals. This yields enhanced textures and pure flavors.

And who could want more than the uber cool custard libations at the Shake Shack on S. Lamar and at the Domain. First tried it while judging the Taste of North Austin competition and I was delighted. Hard to believe it was custard!

On William Cannon Culver’s amazing velvety smooth custards still blow me away. They don’t mess up a good thing. Vanilla and a flavor of the day. Nuff said. Out of this world. Ultimate decadence? Three scoops in a Waffle Cone.

Sandy’s on Barton Spring’s continue to shine after all these years. Still one of the best vanilla cones around. When I’m feeling really decadent I get it in a cup with butterscotch sauce drizzled over it.

Still another yummy cool-down is Likkity’s on Manchaca. Awesome custard.

And dare I not mention the Cow Tipping Creamery on Rio Grande. This is real ice cream for real ice cream fans.

Dolce Neve is a favorite for those who jones for Gelato. The Hazelnut always rocks and is my standby.

Another star on the Gelato firmament is Teo on W 38th. They’ve gotten bunches of awards and deservedly so. The classic Pistachio is irresistible. And their other flavors are just as good.

And the Gelato bar you discover as you walk into Central Market off Westgate is another force of nature. Great smoothies as well.

Another newer player is Moojo on San Antonio. Partners Matt Peterson and Matt Weldon parlayed a love for ice cream sandwiches into a place where various rich ice creams are embraced by warm cookies. You can pick your cookies and ice cream. My fav is oatmeal raisin cookies around mint chocolate chip. Tough to stay away from this place.

Sweet Ritual is a slam dunk for those who like dairy free ice creams. And their Cinnamonkey Elephantastic flavor may just be their best. Gluten free waffles cones on hand as well.

Holla Mode on Barton Springs is a Thai ice cream joint where your ice cream is literally created as you watch. Check out the video on their site and you’ll get the idea. My favorite is the Oreo Speedwagon. Damn but it’s good. Another fav is the Bhumi Bhowl named after King Bhumibol. It’s got banana, Nutella and coconut and it rocks.