Restaurant recommendations from MnMo food critics Jason DeRusha and Joy Summers.
Joy’s Picks
I want a rich and modestly-sized ice cream cone to counteract the warm summer days—and Joy-brand cones only. It’s all about classic and quality flavors.
PortLand Malt Shoppe: My deep and abiding love for chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream was nurtured by this small stand beside the shores of Lake Superior. (Superior St., Duluth)
Izzy’s: I love exploring the creative flavors like buttermilk or lemon custard, but even the plain chocolate is a cold scoop of heaven. Then you get to take it to the next level by introducing an extra flavor with the tiny, bonus “Izzy Scoop”! (Marshall Ave., St. Paul)
Honey & Mackie’s Cone. Photo by Jenny Phillips/Creative Jam, Inc.
Jason’s Picks
My first love in life was gorgeous. Her name was Baskin-Robbins Gold Medal Ribbon. As a food-lover, I appreciate the incredible, creative, innovative ice creameries in Minnesota. As a dad, I appreciate how happy ice cream makes my kids.
Honey & Mackie’s: The western suburbs have their own fancy ice cream! Honey & Mackie’s rotates through about 24 flavors such as grasshopper, coffee-Oreo, and raspberry–chocolate chip. They also sell fresh-cut French fries. Don’t be afraid: Let your ice cream soften up, dip those fries right in there, and thank me later. (Hwy. 55 & Rockford Rd., Plymouth)
Hastings Co-Op Creamery: It’s not much on ambiance, but there’s something so charming about going inside the creamery that produces Valley View Farms milk and getting a big cup of fresh chocolate soft-serve. They call them shakes, but the chocolate soft-serve is too thick for a straw. It’s delightfully small town and just $1. (Vermillion St., Hastings)
