Ice Cream

Scoop, There It Is

Hello, ice cream season!

Summer and ice cream are perfect companions. But ice cream has two Italian cousins you should plan to spend some time with, too. There’s no need to buy a plane ticket though, because the Greater Edmonton area offers no shortage of Italian gelati, sorbetti and, of course, traditional ice cream. Here are 10 places to help you keep cool this summer—scoop by delicious scoop.

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Block 1912 Café
10361-82 Avenue, Edmonton

A favourite destination on Whyte Avenue, this café serves gelati along with other desserts, soups, sandwiches, alcohol, coffee and tea. Catering to everyone, Block 1912 also offers a selection of tofulattis (soy-based, lactose-free ice cream) and non-dairy sorbetti.

The must-tries: the chocolate-banana chai gelato and the trail mix gelato (both perfect in waffle bowls).

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Caffè Sorrentino
10665-109 Street & Edmonton Airport

A favourite from one end of Edmonton to another, Caffè Sorrentino offers a variety of gelati and sorbetti that never disappoint. Watch for seasonal flavours like eggnog gelato and watermelon sorbetto, or treat yourself to an affogato—a scoop of gelato drowned in a shot of espresso (with or without alcohol).

A must-try: an Italian milkshake, called frullati.

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Ice Cream Shack
11 Athabascan Avenue, Sherwood Park

Weather dependent, this much-loved Ice Cream Shack opens in early May and sells Foothills Ice Cream, frozen yogourt and sorbetto all summer long. And since ice cream is best messy, there are wipes on every table and a washing station in the picnic area.

The must-tries: the raspberry swirl yogourt and the rocky road ice cream.

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Pinocchio Ice Cream
Find at many businesses

In business since 1981, Pinocchio makes their ice cream, gelati and sorbetti on-site and from scratch. If you can’t get down to their store, watch for their product in the freezer section of the Italian Centre Shop or in the ice cream case at other creameries.

The must-tries: the coconut ice cream, the champagne ice cream and the cactus pear ice cream.

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What’s the Scoop?
Location: 10329-82 Avenue, Edmonton

If you shop Whyte Avenue, you might already know your way to this small, blue “shack” that sells generous portions of more than 50 flavours of ice cream. Whether your treat is in a cone or a dish, What’s the Scoop covers everyone’s tastes, from the traditional to the exotic.

The must-tries: the Nanaimo bar ice cream, the lemon pie ice cream and the burgundy cherry ice cream.

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The Italian Centre Shop (Spinelli’s Bar Italia)
10878-95 Street, 17010-90 Avenue, 5028 104 a Street,

& 8005 Emerald Dr, Sherwood Park

Spinelli’s Bar Italia, serves gelati made by a local family company called Fantasia Gelati. Fantasia Gelati went the extra mile—in this case, to Italy—to learn how to make top-quality gelati from the best.

A must try: An affogato with fruit-flavoured gelati, espresso and peach grappa or limoncello. n

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