After the five new owners took over Tremont Scoops in 2012, they visited eight ice cream suppliers throughout the Southwest and Midwest before settling on the decadent product they were looking for — here in Cuyahoga County. North Royalton's Country Parlour had a great selection of flavors and just the right taste. "Their ice cream is 14 percent butterfat, so it's really creamy and rich," says co-owner Paul Weinzimmer. The neighborhood shop now boasts 24 flavors, four styles of cones, plus a slew of toppings, sauces and nuts. But what really sets it apart is its selection of vegan- and lactose-free ice creams and sorbets and gluten-free cones.
Latest Buzz † New flavors this year include orange sherbet, vegan mint chocolate chip, a Snickers-inspired Holy Schnikes, and Chunky Elvis — banana ice cream with chocolate chunks and peanut butter swirl. While not new, the Bang! Iced Latte Da is a hit, particularly among bar crawlers. "It's a cappuccino-based ice cream with dark chocolate chunks," Weinzimmer says. "It's great for the late-nighters. We give them two scoops, put them in a cab and send them home." Walk the Walk † From their popular chocolate-covered New York-style cheesecake on a stick to the banana split, each frozen goodie is designed to be portable. "We call ours a vertical banana split because we build it from the bottom up in a clear plastic milkshake cup so that people can eat it while they walk down the street," says co-owner Nikki Schiro. Cone Heads † You can't miss the eye-level plastic holder that displays a sugar, cake, waffle and, yes, a pretzel ice cream cone. "Guests who order a scoop of peanut butter, chocolate or salted caramel ice cream love to pair it with the pretzel cone," Schiro says. "You get that salty, light crunch mixed in with the sweet ice cream flavor." Vegan Friendly † Even those with dietary restrictions can find something they love, from brownie sundaes to PBandJ milkshakes. Lactose-free and vegan ice cream flavors include vanilla, and cookies and cream. "We just introduced a new vegan mint chocolate chip that also comes in an ice cream sandwich," Schiro says.
When You Go † 2362 Professor Ave., Cleveland, 216-781-0352, tremontscoops.com
