Inspiration Comes In Different Shapes & Sizes
Opening an ice cream shop may seem like the American Dream. For some it’s about sharing family recipes or heritage, for others creating a gathering place for sweet hospitality and even sweeter desserts, but the through line (which is to no surprise to anyone) is to generate HAPPINESS.
“We get a real pleasure out of serving the community, whether it be a brownie or an ice cream,” says Marlon Salazar, owner of Black Rock Desserts and Creamery, who bravely opened in July 2020. “We approach everything with a service mentality… and I swear it makes the food taste better.”
To Top It Off
The classic phrase “cherry on top” now goes far beyond simple toppings like sprinkles, fruit, and syrup (while those are still good). Many Reno ice cream shops have gotten creative in their offerings.
Paleteria Del Angel, which also opened in July 2020, was the first paleteria (Mexican ice cream shop) in Northern Nevada. Owners Angelica Ibarra and Efren Valdez say their paletas (popsicles) are made with real fruit, and no preservatives or artificial flavors. They often mix savory and sweet combinations or textures like topping a fruit drink with a scoop of ice cream.
Another spot doing things a bit differently? Sugar Blvd. is a family-owned and operated establishment brimming with pink ice cream cone planters, Instagrammable walls, and the smell of any great ice cream shop… freshly made waffle cones.
“I knew we needed something extra besides ice cream that would make us stand out, especially in Midtown, and that's when my daughter Jasmine sai,d ‘what about flavored waffle cones?’” says Kathy Turner, owner of Sugar Blvd.
When you walk into Sugar Blvd., you’re greeted with a variety of picture-perfect cones, including red velvet, blueberry, orange creamsicle, and more. The weekly combinations are new, and often seasonal, making the experience unique each time you’re in.
Another Reno-favorite? Black Rock Desserts and Creamery… and not just for the cool, easy-going atmosphere, but also for the rotating ice cream flavors featuring local ingredients like Al’s Bee’s honey and Old Wold Coffee espresso.
Drool-Worthy Recommendations
While there are a million things I’d like to try at each of these Reno gems, here are some of their top requested and cherished, as well as some of my personal favorites.
Side note: my first job was for an ice cream shop. Think scooping, mixing in toppings, and burning your fingers making waffle cones (but damn they smelled good).
Sugar Blvd. thrives in its wide variety of ice cream to waffle cone combinations. The ice cream, which comes from Koch Family Creamery in Minden, Nev. is classically creamy, perfect for any hot summer day. Last time I was there, we had a lemon poppyseed waffle cone with pistachios ice cream. You know the scene in Willy Wonka where Veruca Salt proclaims the snozberries taste like snozberries? Well, the waffle cones here truly have the flavors they claim to, which is not an easy feat.
Maybe a flavored waffle cone isn’t quite wild enough for you? Feel free to try the “Trash Fence” from Black Rock Desserts and Creamery. What would a Burning Man-themed dessert place have without its clever names? The Trash Fence is a milkshake where you choose the ice cream and they choose the toppings. Brave? Yes. Yummy? Most likely. Whichever ice cream or milkshake you get, you can load it up with a wide selection of toppings. And if you’re the odd one out in your family, and maybe not an ice cream person? Gasp! There are plenty of baked goods like the warm house-made bread pudding.
And, if you’re in the mood for something rich in flavor and maybe even spice, try a paleta from Paleteria Del Angel. Choose from strawberries and cream, Ferrero Roche, or Gansito and Mango with Chamoy. Alternatively, one of their most popular items: the Mangoneda (mango ice cream with chamoy toppings and a mini paleta). Going classic? How about a made-to-order churro?
With that, enjoy your summer season and don't forget to try something new... and maybe even find a few new favorites.
Featuring:
Sugar Blvd
704 S Virginia Street, Ste. A
(775) 484-1238
Black Rock Desserts and Creamery
100 California Ave, Ste. 106
(775) 221-7069
Paleteria Del Angel
669 E. Moana Lane, Reno; 1353 Baring Blvd., Sparks
(775) 737-4196
@paleteriadelangel on Instagram
“We get a real pleasure out of serving the community, whether it be a brownie or an ice cream,” -- Marlon Salazar