National Ice Cream Day This Sunday

Come on! You know that freshly made salted caramel ice cream from Paradis is calling your name. This week, more than ever, you have the perfect excuse to drop everything and indulge as you do your part to enjoy National Ice Cream Day. In the whirlwind of our busy lives, let’s make a date to turn off our iPhones, head to the Paradis counter and take in the ice cream sights. They are beauteous to behold, perfectly swirled, decorated and lovingly arranged, row by row, just waiting to be scooped and placed into your happy cup.

There is nothing like homemade ice cream made every morning from fresh fruit and the best ingredients. You can really taste the difference and, believe it or not, it’s lower in calories and fat compared to other ice creams. Did you know Paradis (2323 Honolulu Ave.) has over 200 ice cream and sorbet recipes? The flavor choices vary each day depending on what’s fresh and what inspires owner Mark Pedersen. Right now, they are featuring strawberry buttermilk, a Denmark summer tradition. During the summer months the Danish chop up strawberries, pour buttermilk over them, and add vanilla ice cream, calling it “Jordbaer med Koldskaal.” I’m sure Mark and his sister and co-owner Mia would be very impressed if we ordered it that way.

Paradis has also introduced a new menu item, the Montrose Sundae! For $6, you get two scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, hot fudge and a chocolate wafer straw. As a tribute to Montrose being the first Paradis location in the U.S., the Montrose Sundae will be featured on the menu of all new stores. Yes, Paradis Montrose has been very successful and they are looking to franchise. With flavors like chocolate peanut butter swirl and my personal favorite stracciatella, a vanilla ice cream with shaved chocolate, you can’t miss. And then there are all the fresh fruit sorbets like blackberry and watermelon.  How glad we are that Paradis chose Montrose to be their home away from home!?

Have you met Harry, the new owner of the Montrose Candy Co. (2317 Honolulu Ave.) yet? He has a whole case of European ice cream cones in wafer cups that would be fun to try on a hot summer day. Of course they are known for their Old Fashioned Balboa Bars, vanilla ice cream on a stick that is dipped in chocolate as you watch. You then get your choice of toppings including chopped peanuts, crushed Oreos, and chocolate or rainbow sprinkles. This summer, when you buy six Balboa bars you get one free.

Both Paradis and Montrose Candy Co. are on Facebook as is the Montrose Shopping Park and many of our businesses. It’s fun to stay in touch that way and find out about things like the Art Walk that is happening in the shopping park this Saturday. Hey, maybe we can all shop, listen to live street music, and get a jump on National Ice Cream Day together!

  Mary Dawson