I scream, you scream for something cold and sweet as the summer sun soaks into our skin. There are more new ice cream and ice pop vendors than ever.
A couple of weeks ago I was checking out the Linden Hills Farmers Market with my family. Kitchen in the Market was entertaining and offering quick cooking tips with their Cooking the Market style class. They encourage attendees to grab ingredients from the market’s vendors and bring them back to them for preparing. Someone gave them some fermented pickles, fresh baby peas, and a frozen pop from Shimmy Pops and they some how turned it into a delicious dish. It’s a smaller market curated for those who love to cook like chefs in their homes. We had a ball and I picked up the best natural bug repellent that smells like rose, geranium, and cloves that has kept me bite-free ever after. I also devoured a Mexican Coffee flavored Shimmy Pop; rich coffee was subtly spiced and entirely delicious. My little guy had a strawberry and cream pop that disappeared before it even started to melt. I love this market, but it’s these treats that will have me dragging myself out of bed at the crack of 9 a.m. to get back over there every week.
JonnyPops are another frozen sweet treat who are making the world a better place not only with their summery flavors, but also by encouraging eaters to pay forward a little good deed. Every stick has a cute little message of kindness. Started by a group of college friends their idealism tastes delicious. [Read more in the article, JonnyPops.] You can pick them up at most Lunds/Byerly’s or at the Midtown Farmers Market.
Geno’s Gelato will be peddling their wares at the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s Free Thursday Bike Night tonight. Geno’s is making their own chilly Italian treats including Italian Ice, cannoli, and the eponymous creamy, frozen good stuff.
The thought of the Minneapolis ice cream on bikes had me thinking of St. Paul’s O.G. frozen treat man, Leprechaun Dreamcycle. If you haven’t had a chance to taste is icy confections and get a dose of the joy he spreads, you’ve got to track him down. Find his most recent locations by following him on Facebook or Twitter. (Or book him for an event and remember to invite me.)
We’ve got to get those to savor the season, because the next thing you know, it’s fall. That’s when UNION plans to reopen their first floor as The Workshop led by Kaskaid Hospitality’s new Culinary Director, Stewart Woodman. If you’d like a preview, there are a few tickets left for a pop-up that they’re planning the weekend of July 24, 25, and 26. A $100 ticket buys a couple a five-course tasting menu along with beverage pairing. Tickets are available through Living Social , which also promises if you buy the ticket, share the link and three friends buy tickets, yours is free.
One more cold, sweet treat for you: Sweet Science is doing their free ice cream tasting this Sunday at Verdant Tea.
While we’re over there, it’s worth noting that Verdant Tea is expanding their menu in Seward. They’ve hired a chef and soon will roll out plenty of food options to pair with their expertly crafted beverages. Speaking of beverages, it won’t be just tea and kombucha that they will be pouring. If all goes according to plan, they will have a full bar before fall. I was given an exclusive sneak peek for my new cocktail website, Joy On the Rocks. Once they’re set with the legalities, I’ll give you a rundown of the drinks they’ll be serving. It’s going to be delicious.
If you can’t wait that long to get your drink on, there is the Fine Spirits Classic just around the corner on July 24th. All the best mixologists will be on hand. Will Marco Zappia and Nick Kosevich give us a taste of what Eat Street Social’s vacationing Torpedo Room will taste like when it returns? You’ll have to be there to find out. Now, because I love you dearly, I’ve got a special deal. Tickets available through this link are $22.50 (regularly $45 online) now through Friday. So, I’ll see you at the Minneapolis Event Center at 6 p.m. on Thursday, yes?
