And not coincidentally, July is an opportunity to indulge in the celebration of National Ice Cream Month.
What better way to take the sting out of the searing sun than an icy treat? From double scoops to fancy sundaes, the metro is home to plenty of cool confections that will make you forget all about the sweltering sunshine.
If you’re in the mood for a heaping scoop of nostalgia along with your ice cream, visit Kaiser’s American Bistro, 1039 N. Walker, an Oklahoma institution since 1910.
The Midtown diner has maintained its vintage feel, with a real soda counter featuring the original Coke fountain and its original ice cream mixers, which are still in use.
Kaiser’s features a selection of classic choices, including a refreshing double chocolate soda ($3.25) and classic malts ($2.75-$4.25) and milkshakes ($2.75- $4.25).
“Whenever you walk in, you feel like you’ve wandered into the ’50s,” said Luke Helms, a Kaiser’s employee. “It’s like a blast from the past.”
Don’t miss the red velvet or Butterfinger cheesecake ice cream ($3 for one generous scoop). Both items offer a depth of flavor that far outshines the typical chocolate and vanilla.
The ice cream slider ($3) lets the customer get creative by choosing a cookie type and a scoop of any flavor ice cream for a perfect — and perfectly large — ice cream sandwich.
Another time-honored summer tradition is the ice cream truck. For one such local practitioner, Roxy’s Ice Cream Social, the goal is to bring back those warm feelings of yesteryear and turn them into something new.
Raena Mutz, Roxy’s owner and head scooper, started the truck about a year ago as a way of “revamping the idea of the ice cream truck so that kids who are new to it and adults who remember the old ice cream trucks can all enjoy it.”
She has 20 flavors (derived from her aunt’s family recipes) on rotation in her 11-slot ice cream freezer.
Her personal favorite is the strawberries and cream, a mix of smooth strawberry sorbet and creamy vanilla.
Customers seem to prefer the salted caramel, which is a rich — and, of course, salty — sweet treat. A large, decadent scoop will set you back $3.
Roxy’s also features classic fare like mint chocolate chip and lemon, any of which is sure to satisfy on a hot summer day.
The yellow truck travels all over the metro — check its Facebook page for the latest location — but you can always count on finding it at Sundays on the Plaza, Live on the Plaza and H&8th.
In Edmond, try Roma’s Gelato, 301 S. Bryant, for unique and authentic gelato.
Roma’s offers typical flavors, as well as tastes that are singularly Italian, such as mascarpone with strawberries and panna cotta with dark cherries, both of which are perfectly executed frozen versions of classic Italian desserts. Of course, espresso flavor is available and a customer favorite.
Having trouble deciding between the 24 flavors that Roma’s has available every day? Take home a pint ($9), which allows you to choose up to four flavors. It will keep in your home freezer or up to two months.
Whether you want a taste of early Americana or are looking to sate your sweet tooth by exploring another culture, celebrating a month of eating ice cream is a fantastic way to stay cool.
This article appears in Jul 10-16, 2013.