Thanks to Lotus Lin and her friends for the heads up on Carmela Ice Cream which just opened in Pasadena.  Lotus was lucky enough to partake in their salted caramel ice cream and thought that it was worth every fattening calorie.  And, with high praise from our fans, we bring you Day 256 of 365 Things To Do In Pasadena®.

Written up in GrubStreet LA and picked as the Best Local Ice Cream by Best of LA, Carmela is certainly making a splash in the city of roses.  Previously, only found in area farmers markets’ (South Pasadena is the closest) and select gourmet shops, with flavors reminiscent of Mignon Chocolates, like salted caramel, brown sugar vanilla bean, cardamom, and lavender honey, you can try your own exotic scoop in their store at 2495 East Washington Blvd.

The flavors are gourmet, but their website claims that the taste is driven by their use of garden-inspired ingredients such as herbs and spices, flowers, and seasonal fruit. Carmela, their site says, uses farmers market produce and Clover Organic Dairy in their small-batch, artisan ice cream.

So with kids and husband in tow, we drove over to have a taste for ourselves.  The store itself, located just West of Altadena Drive is very small and simple.  Several people were in line in front of us.  We tasted several flavors which were presented on small metal spoons – no pink plastic at Carmela!  Absolutely delish!  My favorite was Salted Caramel.  Oh my god… by far the most amazing ice cream I’ve ever tried.

Toppings and home made sauces are available.  My kids also found ice cream cookie sandwiches which have  happily found their home in our freezer – not for long, I’m sure.

Single scoops start at $3.50, add a cone for another $1. And if you must take some home, carry out cartons prices range from $3 to $15.  It’s cash only – no plastic accepted here.

The only thing that’s missing is a couple of outdoor tables.  We ended up eating the ice cream in the car.  No space in the store.  There are a couple of 15 minute, green zone, parking spaces right in front of the store.

Overall, I highly recommend it.  Amazingly, fresh and flavorful ice cream!

Location:
Carmela Ice Cream
2495 E Washington Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91104

Visit 365 Things To Do In Pasadena®  for more fun activities in Pasadena California and surrounding neighborhoods.