Bijani Mizell, Editorial Assistant
I consider myself an adventurous eater. Stewed rabbit? I’m game. Duck egg pastry? Been there, done that (and yes, there was an actual duck egg inside). But sometimes, I just want a yummy scoop of plain vanilla ice cream. Unfortunately, my tastebuds get the better of me and demand something more … complex. Enter Vanilla Honey Lavender ice cream from Fairfax Scoop, a closet-sized, extremely popular ice cream shop right outside San Francisco using all local, organic ingredients. Like a fine wine, each aromatic flavor complements the others; the top notes of vanilla and honey balance the subtle hints of lavender (they even throw in real lavender buds). It’s creamy, mouthwatering, and delicious—and don’t forget the homemade waffle cone!
Photo courtesy of Seymore Sinn
Shyla Batliwalla, Editorial Coordinator
I like ice cream, but I am obsessed with gelato. I feel so Italiana when I nibble on a scoop (or three) of gelato as I fantasize about the streets of Florence and a lover named Frederico. Fortunately, Ciao Bella, America’s Gelato, has a stand just a few blocks from my office. While all of their flavors are sumptuous and indulgent, my absolute favorite is Dulce de Leche. It brings a new meaning to the word caramel. Crunches of toffee, bites of praline, and a dash of salt make my mouth water and lips scream, “Mama Mia!” I urge you to try Ciao Bella’s Dulce de Leche, but don’t blame me if you become addicted and consider moving to Rome.
Vicki Santillano, Staff Writer
Considering three of my prior jobs involved scooping ice cream, I consider myself somewhat of an ice cream connoisseur. So when I tell you that Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked is the cream of the crop, know that you’re getting the opinion of an industry veteran. Half Baked is a delectable combination of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, which in and of itself is a bit of a rarity. But it doesn’t end there, my friends. Included in this mash up are brownie chunks and chocolate chip cookie dough bits. It’s the perfect flavor for someone like me—i.e., someone crippled by indecision whenever she peruses a menu. Like all the best things in life—burritos, sandwiches, noodle bowls—Half Baked is all my favorite things blended into one entity for the convenience and delight of my taste buds. It just doesn’t get better than this … well, unless Ben and Jerry somehow incorporated a peanut butter swirl into the mix. (Oh man, I think I just blew my own mind.)
