Triple Digits, Triple Scoops

By: Eva Ford | August 02 2010
Posted in Rogue Valley - Find It - Rogue Valley

When the mercury hits 100 degrees or more, who doesn't look around for a scoop (or three) of ice cream? Here's a look at three Rogue Valley providers of the most wonderful of summer treats. All are made locally or in Oregon. Enjoy!

Mix Sweet Shop

Ambiance in two words: Bright and hipster

Bright teardrop lights illuminate the long, narrow bakery/café/ice cream shop on the downtown plaza in Ashland, Oregon. An orange tapestry and La Marzocco espresso machine accent brick walls and white paint while rock, alternative and emo alternately pump through the speakers. A friendly staff serves up delicious homemade ice cream. Flavors include such exotic ingredients as tayberry and basil. A dairy-free, coconut milk-based chocolate delights vegan and non-vegan customers alike.

Sizes run from single to triple, priced between $2.75 and $5; add 50 cents for a waffle cone.

Basil ice cream and pineapple sorbetto. Photo: Eva Ford

Chef/owner Jamie North creates the ice cream using mainly Straus Creamery milk and local fruits and natural flavorings when possible. She has perfectly balanced sweetness and flavor. Bonus greenie points: containers and spoons are biodegradable.

Zoey’s Café and All Natural Ice Cream

Ambiance in two words: Casual and friendly

The open floor plan of Zoey’s Café and All Natural Ice Cream in Ashland, Oregon invites memories of cherished childhood ice cream treats. The menu is an old-fashioned sign circled in light bulbs, which creates a friendly glow behind the bank of 40-odd flavors. Not that the flavors are odd –and you can try as many as you like. Some favorites include the blackberry, chocolate and hazelnut-stuffed Oregon Trail, a sweet and decadent Kahlua Crunch, and localized Rogue Valley Pear.

"Small" peanut butter-chocolate. Photo: Eva Ford

A few bucks buy you a cup, sugar or waffle cone overflowing with BJ’s All Natural Ice Cream, made in Florence, Oregon. It’s hormone free and all natural. The cups are biodegradable.

Mamma Mia Gelateria

Ambiance in two words: Cute and Charming

With the blown-glass balloons and jewel-tone walls, Mamma Mia Gelateria feels like an elegant birthday party. A cheerful proprietor, clad in a Geppetto-style cap and vest, serves up fresh gelato. Set in the historic town of Jacksonville, Oregon, (or downtown Medford) the gelateria brings the refreshing taste of Italy to the Rogue Valley. In this case, Italy tastes like pistachio or strawberry-lime. Real flavors with nothing artificial flood your taste buds.

A small cup will run you about $2.95, and a large costs $3.95. Add 25 to 35 cents for a waffle cone.

Photo: Eva Ford

Pictured is that winning combination of pistachio and strawberry-lime. It constitutes the perfect cure for a hot, dusty afternoon and is best enjoyed while you wait to attend the Britt Music Festival.