Summer in Arizona.
It's the time of the year when you look at the temperature and take a picture just to show your friends on the East Coast how hot it gets in Arizona. 90...100...105...110...
We drink a lot of water, we have to, but sometimes you need something else to cool down. So, we decided to look around and see where the most unique treats were in the Valley.
From ice cream made with liquid nitrogen to gourmet waffles and homemade pops, you're next food tour has already been planned. Scroll down to check out some of the most interesting creations in Phoenix.
Nami – tSoynami
Nami is a vegan dessert and coffee shop in central Phoenix. The tSoynami is made with Nami’s vegan soy soft serve ice cream (tSoft tServe, they call it) and then toppings are mixed in. They have over 20 different tSoynamis, including the PB ‘n’ Chocolate, Coffee Coco Loco, Chunky Monkey and O’, Ginger Snap!
IF YOU GO:
Nami, 2014 N. 7th Street, Phoenix AZ 85006
www.tsoynami.com
Creamistry
The name is a mix between ice cream and chemistry, but the treat itself is a show. Creamistry uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the ice cream. Once it’s added, the counter becomes clouded in condensation. For kids and adults, it is neat to watch.
IF YOU GO:
Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road, suite 151, Scottsdale AZ 85251
www.creamistry.com
Another to check out: Sub Zero Ice Cream in Gilbert, 1065 E. Baseline Road, suite 104, Gilbert AZ 85233
Yo Waffle
Yo Waffle – frozen yogurt & gourmet waffles
Just think of Yo Waffle as breakfast for dessert. They have 14 flavors of self-serve frozen yogurt, including two sorbet options, and a bunch of toppings to toss on. One of those toppings is a Liege Waffle. If you just want the waffle, they have a couple sweet creations, like topped with Nutella and fruit.
IF YOU GO:
143 S. Higley Road, Gilbert AZ 85296
www.yowaf.com
Snoh Ice Shavery
Snoh Ice Shavery – shaved ice
Snoh Ice is described as a mix between shaved ice and ice cream. It has a “fluffy melt in your mouth texture,” according to the website. But, its foundation is based in China. Snoh offers traditional flavors like strawberry and cotton candy, but they also have exotic flavors like matcha, honey dew and black sesame. Not in the mood for Snoh? They also have slushies and milk teas.
IF YOU GO:
914 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix AZ 85014
www.snohice.com
Bahama Bucks – shaved ice
Bahama Bucks is good for a quick, cool treat during those summer months. It’s a mountainous cup of shaved ice. But with 91 flavors to choose from, the combinations could go on for a while.
IF YOU GO:
Eight locations in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Tempe
http://bahamabucks.com/locations
Another to check out: Rita’s. There are 11 locations around the Valley
The Baked Bear
Baked Bear – ice cream sandwiches
The ice cream sandwich has been taken up a notch. At The Baked Bear you choose the sandwich ends (cookie, brownie, donut, combo of 2), an ice cream filling and toppings for the sides. If the cookie needs to be warm, they can do that too without melting the ice cream.
IF YOU GO:
7366 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale AZ 85260
www.thebakedbear.com
Another to check out: Ice Cream Sammies in Chandler, 135 W. Boston Street.
Churn
Churn – Ice cream
Churn can make anyone feel like a kid in a candy store. That's because it is a candy store. Its bright, has vintage candies, and all of its ice cream is made from scratch, in-house and with no preservatives or additives. Not to mention, it's been recognized by our ABC15 A-listers and the Phoenix New Times.
IF YOU GO:
5223 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85012
Another to check out: Sweet Republic in Phoenix, 6054 N. 16th Street
Another to check out: Sweet Republic in Scottsdale, 9160 E. Shea Blvd.
Another to check out: Melt in Phoenix, 910 N. Fifth Street
Another to check out: Scooptacular in Laveen, 5150 W. Baseline Road
Another to check out: Scooptacular in Gilbert, 2268 E. Williams Field Road
MacAlpine’s Soda Fountain – Ice cream float
Anyone remember their first ice cream float? It was probably a Root Beer Float. A big glass, scoops of vanilla ice cream, root beer and the frothy bubbles at the very top. That was one of the days being a kid was great. MacAlpine’s is a Valley staple. And with over 30 ice cream soda treats to choose from, you can feel like a kid again.
IF YOU GO:
2303 N. 7th Street, Phoenix AZ 85006
Another to check out: Sugar Bowl in Scottsdale, 4005 N. Scottsdale Road
Doc’s Artisan Ice Cream – Frozen pops
From artisan ice creams to frozen pops, Doc’s has a variety of ever-changing flavors to keep your palate cool and refreshed. The gelato and sorbet pops are tasty, too.
IF YOU GO:
1221 W. Warner Road, Tempe AZ
Another to check out: Paletas Betty in Chandler, 96 W. Boston Street
Another to check out: Paletas Betty in Tempe, 425 S. Mill Avenue
Nekter
Nekter – Acai Bowl
First off, yes it is healthy. But, it’s also cold, tasty and refreshing. They’re huge so you can eat one as a meal or eat half and save it for a later snack.
IF YOU GO:
There are nine locations in Chandler, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe
www.nekterjuicebar.com
