Israeli Ice Cream
Ice Cream
Regardless of where you are, it is time for ice cream somewhere. I am not beyond starting my day with a scoop and it is the perfect night cap to a long day. Fortunately, Israel is loaded with some excellent creamery options to wash down that delicious lunch, dinner, or even breakfast. Israel also uses a higher percentage of cream/fat when making gelato and ice cream, offering a richer taste. But, do not fret, all of the portions are significantly smaller than back in the old country.
I will focus on 3 ice cream establishments that have locations throughout Israel and offer pareve and Dairy options for the meat eaters that are not Dutch, following along at home.
Golda: Why not start with the very best. Like its namesake, this bold and powerful gelato factory offers a noticeable and familiar décor in all of its locations, smart and eager staff and flavors that abound. For me, I have a choosing meltdown when I can only narrow it down to three options. That said, any of the Kinder or Ferrero or Cookies options are not to be believed. The sorbet options are plentiful. You can taste the freshness and originality in each bite. While the flavors vary by week and location , the tastes are consistently phenomenal.
Another nice touch at Golda are the plentiful individual wet wipes to clean off your hands, found on each counter. Who does not eat ice cream and not end up with some on their fingers. Love the anticipation and the cleanliness.
Vaniglia, located in at First Station, is loaded with fresh and unique flavors. A gelato bar meets a sorbet shop meets ice cream, Vaniglia does not disappoint. The accommodations are tight, and the flow is weird. Looping around the location is a challenge since the point of sale is by the entry door and the ice cream bar is straight back. The light fixtures are made of tasting spoons, which is very neat. I hope they are not used! The flavors are good and the prices are the best in town. But, the options are more focused for the fruit infused enthusiasts or nut-loving eater.
Aldo, which uses deKarina chocolates has a few locations, but the one on Emek in the German Colony is my favorite spot. Like Golda, it has plenty of room to mingle and make choices. The dairy and the pareve choices are in distinct coolers and the options are steady. Each mixture is sure to have a special blend of caramelized topping and ice cream that falls underneath. The prices are competitive and I have yet to have a cone or cup that did not meet my satisfaction.
Aldo has a station inside (like some Golda locations) that have frozen fresh fruit that can be blended with milk or ice cream to make fruit smoothies or shakes. It also has an extensive array of toppings for the young ones amongst us.
If you are like me and love your ice cream, I would recommend trying out all three of these places and sharing your favorites with me. I am sure, it will be a hard choice to make!
