Artisanal ice cream seems to be one of the trends du jour in California, and Carmela Ice Cream in Pasadena must be mentioned in this context. The business has won a number of local and regional awards for its delicious products.
There's a Carmela ice cream truck at the South Pasadena Farmer's Market each week on Thursday nights, but it's fun to make the pilgrimmage to their store location. (Note the retro logo-- I was too shy to snap a photo of the three glass chandeliers inside with my phone, but they lend an elegant touch above the counter and you can see them somewhat in this photo above). The store attracts lines out the door and down the sidewalk on warm summer days/nights despite its somewhat off the beaten track location. Staff patiently allow patrons to sample the various flavors until a decision can be made, which isn't easy. When I was there the flavors on offer included: salted caramel, lavender honey, strawberry buttermilk, mint with cacao nibs, brown sugar vanilla bean, guiness, lemon verbena vanilla bean, and lemon basil, raspberry rose, spice strawberry, and cucumber sorbets (I know I've forgotten a few that involve chocolate and espresso). The flavors can be quite intense, which makes them different and quite special.
The salted caramel ice cream sandwiches were my favorite far and away, but handmade cones and sundaes are also available.
I was seriously bummed to have missed out on a spot in an ice cream making class at Carmela during my holiday, which would have been seriously fun. Maybe next year? In the meantime I'll be on a quest to try to perfect my own versions of the salted caramel ice cream (and sandwiches) as well as the lavender honey ice cream, another favorite.
The flavours sound delicious !
I hope you had a really lovely holiday.
Its good to hear that you are back
Posted by: Nicky | 07/02/2012 at 06:57 PM