Clementine’s Homemade Ice Cream, Middletown, RI. 5/27/22

exterior – 62 Wave Ave., Middletown, RI., 02842

Clementine’s Homemade Ice Cream opened in 2017 and served delicious ice cream with high quality ingredients.  They offer an array of flavors and some dog-friendly ice cream also.  The name of their shop is a tribute to a dog.  They make their own waffle cones and the aroma when you enter the shop is sweet and mouth watering.  The cones are also available stuffed into a dish in which you can put your chosen scoops.  It’s a small shop with a couple tables inside as well as counters to lean on.  Outside there were also some tables and 3 designated parking spots.  We chose 2 flavors – Coffee Heath Bar and Butter Brickle – and got them in one of the cones in a cup.  It made it much easier to share but the cone did stick to the cup a bit.  The ice cream was thick, sweet and well flavored.  It really hit the spot for a terrific sweet snack.  Strong recommendation here. Continue reading

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, Santa Barbara, 6/27/22

exterior –728 State St., Santa Barbara, CA., 93101

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams has been in business for 70 years, founded in 1949 by a husband and wife couple after running a health food store.  They were put off by the artificial ingredients and filler in ice creams and wanted to use seasonal ingredients as well as local milk and cream, fruit, nuts and produce.  The couple opted to not use any fillers, stabilizers or preservatives and use the European French Pot process.  In December of 1950 they opened their first shop.  They sold the shop to another Santa Barbara native in 1962 who expanded the locations and then it sold again in 1975 and lastly in 2012 when it underwent a major renovation of the systems, freezers and equipment.   Now in addition to 2 locations in Santa Barbara, they are in 4 other California cities and offer to ship anywhere.   Their State St. location felt pretty sterile considering all the ‘love’ this place has.  They had cone bowls but they were stale and not sweet enough.  The scoops seemed small but it turned out the server thought we wanted two flavors in one scoop, so that made sense.  Nevertheless, the ice cream was uninspired with a less than satisfying texture.  I do not recommend it. Continue reading

Tricycle Ice Cream, Providence, 5/26/22

building – 70 Battey St., Providence, RI., 02903

Tricycle Ice Cream opened in 2014 selling ice cream out of a 3 wheeled     vehicle at markets and such.  The storefront opened in Jan. 2019.  They were inspired by childhood memories and wanted to craft amazing ice cream sandwiched between excellent cookies.  They have regularly changing flavors and combinations ready made at the storefront.  There is a patio next to the building with picnic tables where you can enjoy your treats.  As you enter the small place there are counters you could eat at also.  At the counter you order and pick up your treats and then you just have to wait a few minutes for them to thaw enough to eat.  They now also offer fruit push pops made of sorbet and ice cream filled ‘tacos’ that are made with cone shells.  It is worth a stop if you are in the area. Continue reading

Coneflower Creamery, Omaha, 5/8/22

exterior – 3921 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131

Coneflower Creamery is the inspiration of Founder/Chef Brian Langbehn and Katie Arant Chef/Co-Owner.  They had both worked as pastry chefs in various kitchens and dreamed of opening a farm to table ice cream shop featuring small batch artisan ice cream.  Their website even lists the local farms where they get the flavoring ingredients for their ice cream.  Their flavors have the Classics that are always on the menu as well as Signatures which highlight seasonal ingredients and plays on favorite foods and drinks. They also have sauces, toppings, floats, sundaes and the ice cream can be in a cone or a cup.  Their waffle cones were especially great.  One thing that impressed me was the way the end was folded over so no leaking while you’re eating occured.  The rich, thick and smooth ice cream is perfect in one of these cones.   The end of March they announced that a second location is pending in the Ashton Building.  If you can, try this place. Continue reading