I scream, you scream, and here’s the best ice cream
My assignment was to write about the best ice cream parlors in America. Eating a lot of ice cream would probably be involved (I inferred). Tough work, but somebody's gotta do it. Thanks to the Internet, overnight mail and dry ice, I was up to the task and, I might add, came to the job highly qualified. Ice cream is more than a dessert to me; it is more than a treat. It is the food I crave above all others.
With the help of devoted family and friends willing to sacrifice their time, taste buds and waistlines, I began the arduous task of sampling flavors from what my research uncovered as some of the country's most outstanding ice cream parlors. I was not able to taste from every vendor listed below. Nor can I say unconditionally that they are THE BEST in the country because, in the end, everybody's idea of the best ice cream, like the best anything, is subjective. I can say, however, that the ones I sampled are exceptional, each in its own way; and all come highly recommended, with their own sizable fan clubs.
The following ice cream shops represent a mix of old and new -- some are family businesses that have been passed down through generations; others are less than five years old, and some have pretty funky flavors -- Thai chili anyone? They all offer ice cream that is made with love, by professionals who care about delivering something truly special to the people who, more often than not, stand in line just to get a scoop.
Christina's Ice Cream -- Cambridge, Mass.
In its 25-plus years, Christina's Ice Cream has developed something of a cult following in its hip Inman Square neighborhood. Located among several popular restaurants, it is a perfect spot for an after-dinner cone, or a destination in and of itself. Christina's is known for its more uncommon flavors -- like Red Bean, Green Tea and Kulfi -- that customers are unlikely to find at other ice cream shops. But owner Ray Ford says vanilla is still the top seller, with Gina's Mocha Explosion, Mango and Coconut Butterfinger not far behind. There are 40 flavors available at all times; 94 on the shop's list. Flavors change seasonally and customer suggestions are welcome. "It can be really unusual," says Ford, "but it has to taste good."
Read user reviews and see a map | Christina's Web site
