by Steven Doyle
The big news hitting the streets of Texas is that Blue Bell is making its comeback in a very large way after experiencing a disaster which affected the health of many people. Although the ice cream is still only available in limited areas in Texas, places like Pokey-O’s, which makes a dreamy ice cream sandwich using homemade cookies and a selection of Blue Bell, actually made a trip to Austin to procure enough ice cream to sell a dozen of the sandwiches Thursday night (September 3rd) for sale to benefit the North Texas Food Bank. The ice cream sandwiches will set you back $25 each.
For those wishing to find Blue Bell, as it has been blasted across the media you will soon have all the flavors you have come to enjoy at a store near you.
Charity aside, we are going to make possibly a very unpopular stance: Blue Bell Ice Cream just isn’t that great. Especially considering the competition. We made a list of places in the DFW area that should be on your ice cream licking list. Go local!
Carnival Barker: Now located in Oak Cliff with their flagship store, Carnival Barker sells housemade ice cream that is not only innovative, but filled with fun. Fun flavors such as a recent version made with Sailor Jerry’s rum and raisins, Nutella and so much more besides the usual chocolate and vanilla. You will also find Rice Krispy Treat sandwiches, floats, shakes, and chili dogs. Check with them about hours, they are often open until midnight which should keep your ice cream passions in check.
Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream: Located in Plano and a transplant from Philly, Henry’s is one of the most popular local ice cream makers. Although you may not have sampled his ice cream in his shop, there is a huge chance you have tried his product in one of over 700 restaurants across North Texas where Henry’s produces custom flavors. His client list is among the elite and includes such places as Parigi and Fireside Pies. You may also find pints at Jimmy’s Food Store in East Dallas. Henry has a long time slogan that states ice cream makes you pretty.
Paciugo: Located all over the city and now stretching across the United States, this local gelato maker has hit the big time with dozens of unique flavors. The quality is controlled by using a central offsite kitchen to divine the flavors, then actually make the gelato at each location fresh each day. The lemon custard is one of our favorites.
Kate Weiser Chocolates: The super cute chocolate maker also makes her own ice cream at her Trinity Groves shop. Look for interesting flavors and a totally unique macaron ice cream sandwich that will make your toes curl.
Old Town Creamery: This Plano ice cream shop has the most unique flavors of all the stores mentioned so far. Owned by Ayesha and Hussain Kedwaii, the couple have 35 flavors on hand with about a dozen that never change. Surer there is chocolate and strawberry, but go for the saffron, oolong or mango flavors. Be adventuresome.
Chocolate Secrets: This beautiful chocolatier also serves sandwiches, pastries, and ice cream. Go for a scoop in a cup or cone, but also enjoy a beer float (yes!), sundae, milk shakes or even a sorbet and champagne float. All made lovingly in house and delicious. Go for our favorite, the pistachio. Notice it is not bright green. Notice it is delicious. Go on a Friday or Saturday evening and enjoy that champagne float while listening to live jazz. Great date.
Sweet Firefly: Richardson also has one simply amazing ice creamery that is a bit off the beaten path, but once found you will be stricken with desire. Find cups and cones of fun flavors, but our go to ice the sea salt caramel or the toasted coconut. Interesting enough, nearly every visit we see a few high end chefs hanging out with their families.
Melt Ice Creams: Located in Fort Worth, they are making their way to Dallas through pop ups, and most likely a spot of their very own soon. Enjoy totally unique flavors such as Salt Lick (salted caramel), Boozy Buccaneer (housemade pineapple jam with a rum and cinnamon caramel swirl), Planet of the Grapes (vegan sorbet with freshly juiced black grapes and housemade mint syrup), and Piece of Cake (vegan German chocolate), Beans (Madagascar Vanilla Bean), and Chocolate Chocolate (Dude Sweet chocolate).
Wild About Harry’s: Also part of our favorite hit dog list, Wild About Harry’s has fast become an institution in Dallas, opening in 1996. Seems like so much longer, doesn’t it? Harry’s has a new location in Deep Ellum which just recently opened to serve that neighborhood, or visit the mainstay located on Knox. Great flavors, super creamy and always delicious. Plus , you know, the hot dogs.