originally uploaded to Flickr by Weelakeo

It’s been a few months since I have made my regular trek out to Del Ray’s The Dairy Godmother but the Wisconsin-style goodness that Liz Davis whips up (white chocolate blueberry and Bordeaux cherry to name just a few) sounds like the perfect antidote for these scorching days. I guess I’m sliding into stereotypical pregnancy behavior, but provided my cravings can be satisfied with something beyond Baskin & Robins’ airy and dull ice creams, I hope to find satisfaction without crossing the bridge.

Last week after a trip to Seventh Hill I saw a savvy family traipse from the patio over to the garden seats at Marvelous Market where they bought a pint of Gifford’s Ice Cream to share. Voila…high quality ice cream “per la via.” After resorting to large cherry Slurpee at 7-11 on 8th Street last week, I asked THIH-ers for their ice cream recommendations. Here’s what I learned:

Gelato, Ice Cream & Sorbet

Try pints or half pints of locally-made Dolcezza gelatos and sorbet at Petit Gourmet across from the Market. This artisanal gelato (made in the Argentinean tradition –- take that Italia!) is made by a DC-based company. You might have tried a sample at local farmers markets or seen their new shop in Dupont Circle. On Wednesday evening flavors like blueberry mint sorbet, lime cilantro sorbet, hazelnut, chocolate and pistachio filled the freezer.

P&C Market and Marvelous Market both sell a good selection of ice creams, gelatos and sorbets.  P&C carries Dolci gelato and Trickling Springs Creamery ice cream. Not only does Marvelous Market has the local Gifford’s brand and Ben & Jerry’s, but also carry my favorite, Ciao Bella. They’re currently stocking flavors including Dulce de Leche, Raspberry Cabernet Sauvingon, Belgian Chocolate and Lemon Zest, as well as the ever-popular vanilla. I understand they sell Cantaloupe at the flagship store in NYC…a little less far to travel than the Romes’ San Crispino where I first tasted this summer wonder.  Please tell me that flavor made it to mass production?

Taylor Gourmet sells gelato but I can’t get through to confirm the brand or flavors. Let me know what you think about their gelato selection.

The expense of specialty ice cream is often what sends me to the freezer chest at Safeway or Harris Teeter. Breyer’s coffee and mint chocolate chip (no green dye please!) are standby favorites, but specials on Haagen Dasz and Ciao Bella have been known to lead to a well-stocked freezer. A mom-friend recommended the ice cream counter at Fine’s Sweet Shop for another low-priced option. With little ones in tow, anyplace you can still get a $2 cone is godsend. You might also look for Micha’s if you’re at the Market over the weekend. The Baltimore-based sorbet maker is not inexpensive, but his locally made flavors include Signature Mango Tropical, Sweet Potato Pie, Pineapple Peach and Ginger and reason enough for a splurge.

Milkshakes

The milkshakes at Goodstuff are indeed that, especially the Toasted Marshmallow and Milky Way Malt. Oh come on, go on add another 1000 calories to your burger and fries gastro-overload.

Ted’s Bulletin offers a bevy of ice-cream based beverages,  including virgin flavors like Orange Push-up, Peppermint and Peanut Butter, Chocolate & Banana. I tried the Butter Pecan recently and confirmed my dislike of chunky shakes, but the pecans did go on an on and the ice cream was delish. Grown-up flavors Mocha Kahlua and Grasshopper are on my list for a post-delivery treat.

You can also get tasty and little less spendy milkshakes at Pete’s Diner and Jimmy T’s.

The chains and the whole shebang

H Street boasts chains Rita’s and Philadelphia Water Ice cold flavored icy treats (though don’t start the water ice vs. Italian ice debate) as well as soft-serve, sorbets, frozen yogurts/custards, and ice cream. I throw calorie counts out the window with ice cream, but for those more waistband-minded than I, there’s the “creamy and delicious” Slenderita. Philadelphia Water ice has been offering free water ice for the last few days, and I’m told the special will continue through Friday.

Coming soon

Soon we’ll have another gelato option. We the Pizza, with a much-anticipated menu of pizza, cast iron pies, wings, subs, salads and sodas (including a Shirley Temple), will open at 305 Pennsylvania Avenue, and they’ve got a pimped-out gelato menu. The Amaretti Cherry is on the top of my list to try.

Mmmm…ok, my growing belly’s growls have been abated. I’ve got plenty to try between now and Labor Day. Literally. We’ll be stocking up on diapers and baby gear at Target, so one or two Fairy Godmother trips, together with all these options, should “help” me keep packing the calories on and my taste buds happy.