Ice cream, a treat cherished by people of all ages, has the remarkable ability to brighten anyone’s day, regardless of the season. I have vivid memories of my childhood, standing in my home kitchen, barely tall enough to peek over the counter. I was captivated by the sight of my father, his strong hands effortlessly blending thick, creamy, and chocolatey goodness with ice-cold milk in a vibrant colored glass. To me, that was the epitome of a perfect milkshake and a taste of pure enchantment, untouched by the worries of bedtime.
Fast forward to adulthood, where the stresses of daily life—traffic jams, missed deadlines, and accidentally deleted emails—accumulate, leaving us yearning for an escape. Yet, even in the midst of the chaos, ice cream remains a steadfast source of solace. As I stroll the streets of New Orleans, feeling the humid breeze against my cheeks and relishing each drip escaping from my waffle cone, I am transported back to the comfort of my home. I once again see my father, radiating contentment and immersed in bliss.
No matter the memories ice cream holds for you, I guarantee you will create new delightful ones as you explore the following five magnificent ice cream parlors and gelato shops. Prepare to be embraced by flavors that will bring a smile to your face. So, without further ado, let’s embark on this delectable journey!
Creole Creamery: Where Vintage Charm Meets Ice Cream Dreams
Nestled in a tranquil residential area of Uptown, Creole Creamery is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor exuding vintage charm. Its black and white checkered tile floors and touches of cheery apple red transport visitors back in time. The iconic turquoise facade, adorned with the classic “McKenzie’s” neon sign, offers a glimpse into the parlor’s storied past. With a menu boasting over 45 delectable flavors of sorbets, sherbets, and ice cream, all made fresh in-house daily, Creole Creamery is a true haven for ice cream enthusiasts. Don’t miss their seasonal flavors, as well as other classics like Ice Cream Sodas and Banana Splits. If you’re hosting a party or event, their catering services can bring a Creole Creamery chef straight to your doorstep for an ice cream-making demonstration.
Angelo Brocato: A Century-Old Gelato Tradition
For over a century, the Brocato family has been enchanting the taste buds of New Orleanians at Angelo Brocato. Since its establishment in 1905, Angelo Brocato has been churning out handmade gelato, introducing traditional Italian flavors to the city. The storefront, initially located in the French Quarter, delighted residents with delicacies such as “torroncino,” a vanilla-based gelato infused with cinnamon and ground almonds, and “granita al limone,” a refreshing lemon ice. As the city’s residents migrated beyond the Quarter, Angelo relocated his shop to Midcity, where it continues to serve all the favorites, including the beloved Sicilian cannoli.
Piccola Gelateria: A Cozy Haven of Artisan Gelato
Nestled on Freret Street, Piccola Gelateria welcomes you with its cozy and inviting atmosphere. It’s the ideal spot for a tasty lunch, a delightful espresso, or a frozen treat. This charming gelateria is famous for its house-made artisan gelato and dairy-free sorbetto. In addition to their frozen delights, they offer a full menu featuring flatbreads, crepes, coffees, and gelato cakes. As a proud partner of Loews New Orleans Flavor, Piccola Gelateria provides their delicious gelato to the hotel’s offerings and restaurant menu.
Shake Therapy: Where Milkshakes Become Masterpieces
Shake Therapy is a quaint dessert shop often hailed as the “Subway—for milkshakes.” Here, you’ll witness the creation of intricately designed ice cream art. The talented team at Shake Therapy crafts each milkshake with finesse, adorning them with an array of sweet and sugary toppings. If you find yourself torn between choices, fear not! Begin with selecting your desired ice cream flavor, and let the skilled team take it from there. Rest assured, Shake Therapy will never fail to impress.
Drip Affogato Bar: When Coffee Embraces Ice Cream
At Drip Affogato Bar, you will witness the magic of the affogato—a love affair between coffee and ice cream. Craft espresso and artisanal ice cream join forces to create an unforgettable experience. Drip offers a delightful selection of gourmet toppings for you to build your own affogato, or you can indulge in one of their seven incredible creations from the menu. The bar also doubles as an idyllic space for savoring coffee while daydreaming. Take a seat next to their expansive picture windows and watch life unfold in the vibrant Warehouse District.
And there you have it! These five enchanting ice cream parlors and gelato shops will undoubtedly satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you with memories to cherish. So next time you find yourself in New Orleans, don’t forget to embark on this delightful adventure of flavor.
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