The sun is defying the weatherman’s predictions and it looks like summer might be here to stay (knock on wood). With the beach at the bottom of the hill, there is one refreshing treat that is a staple for our outdoor warm-weather adventures. Ice cream seems to be a new trend in our city, and Kits has a few great places to find the frozen dessert in all its manifestations.
1) Rain or Shine
You can learn all about this new specialty ice cream shop here. With homemade small batch craft ice cream and a consistently refreshed list of flavours, this is the spot to be this summer. It’s location on West 4th is just a ten minute walk from the beach, so you can take your cone to go and enjoy it on the sand, or settle in to this adorable little spot to watch the 4th Ave shoppers pass by.
Rain or Shine, 1926 West 4th Avenue, 604-428-7246, www.rainorshineicecream.com
2) Scoop!
For a healthier twist on the cool treat, try some frozen yogurt from Scoop!, where the surprisingly tart, but delicious, yogurt is ready to be dressed up with your choice of toppings. Scoop from over 25 different toppings and then enjoy a game of foosball or air hockey, or settle down with one of the board games on offer. It’s open until 10pm during the week and 11pm on weekends, so you can linger over your after-dinner dessert.
Scoop!, 2050 West 4th Avenue, 604-569-3338, www.scoopyogurt.com
3) Paradiso Italian Gelato
For a lighter take on the frozen treat, head to Paradiso Italian Gelato. The only real gelato shop in our neighbourhood, it’s location on Yew just half a block from the beach makes this the perfect pit stop on your evening stroll. Be sure to try the mint chocolate chip next time you’re there – it’s a personal favourite.
Paradiso Italian Gelato, 1520 Yew Street, 604-569-0600
4) Purdy’s
Purdy’s has a few tasty flavours to scoop but the ice cream bars are the way to go. Dipped in delicious chocolate and covered in sprinkles or nuts, this treat is an indulgence no matter how you like it, but my specialty – dipped in white and then milk chocolate and smothered in rainbow sprinkles – takes it over the top. And the chocolate is of course topnotch.
Purdy’s Chocolates, 2196 West 4th Avenue, 604-730-8669, www.purdys.com
5) Menchie’s
The new Kitsilano Menchies has finally opened on West Broadway. It’s already a hit, with tons of delicious flavours and a wide variety of toppings to drizzle, pour, and scoop. It’s the perfect place to take a load off while shopping on West Broadway, and to indulge in a refreshing, one-of-a-kind snack.
Menchie’s, 2579 West Broadway, 604-240-0447, www.menchies.ca
