31 March 2012

BEIRUT: Spring may have taken a step back this week, but the hints of sunshine are enough to set off cravings for beaches, barbeques, and, of course ice cream. In the name of research, The Daily Star took on the difficult task of finding out where exactly the best can be found.

Frosty Palace

The three regular flavors of ice cream available at this newly opened diner are created by owner Zalfa Naufal, who learned her skills in Bologna, Italy. Naufal says the vanilla in particular is difficult to get just right, but she nails it. Not too sweet, and with a distinct vanilla bean taste. A rich chocolate and a hazelnut (a rare flavor in Beirut, Naufal says) are also available consistently, and Naufal creates a special flavor for the week.

Pharaon Street, Mar Mikhael, BeirutTaj al-Mulook

Two doors down from its acclaimed patisserie, Taj al-Mulook’s ice cream shop in Hamra serves 21 traditional Italian-style flavors, as well as a classic Arabic achta, and three diet flavors, in a traditional setting. At just LL1,500 per scoop, you can afford to try them all.

Corner of Bliss and Sadat streets, Hamra, Beirut

Chocolat Milano

For a minimalist European flavor, try Italian franchise Chocolat’s Beirut branch. It’s difficult to fault Italian expertise when it comes to gelato, and Chocolat is no different. Indulge in one of their classic flavors, or hold back and try one of the six seasonal sorbets, which are sugar and fat-free. Made in Lebanon using products sourced in Italy.

Downtown Beirut, Abdullah Beyhum Street.

Hanna Mitri

Good luck finding Hanna Mitri, a tiny unassuming place with no shop front in Ashrafieh, but the reward is worth it. A favorite of both chef Anissa Helou, and Tawlet owner Kamal Mouzawak, Hanna has been making Lebanese pastries and ice cream here since 1949, using equipment that looks as if it might be just as old. Now in his 80s, he is helped out by his son Mitri to create a range of traditional Arab ice creams (meaning no eggs or cream) that are as refreshing and flavorsome as you could want. Go for a cone for just LL3,000, or stock up on flavors with a tub.

Mar Mitr Street, Ashrafieh, Beirut

Franco’s

Another taste of Italy, Franco’s offers a range of gelato flavors and some of the best ice cream cocktails alongside its cafe menu, and is available at branches across Lebanon. The peach flavor is a particular refreshing delight on a hot summer’s day.

Branches in Beirut Hamra Square, Beirut Mall, Hazmiyeh Bou Khalil , Movenpick Hotel, Tripoli Bou Khalil and Tripoli Mina

Oslo

Oslo is frequently cited as the best of the best when it comes to ice cream in Lebanon, and is supplied to restaurants across the city.

The company was started by Nayla Audi in 1997 after she returned to Beirut from Los Angeles, and it produces over 50 flavors of ice cream, including pomegranate, and a particularly good coffee toffee crunch, using natural ingredients.

“Across the board, at every single flavor, they’ve made it,” says Khaled Kara, the marketing and business development manager at Hamra patisserie Gustav which sells Oslo by the scoop during the summer months.

“The flavor remains after you’ve finished the ice cream, you remember the same experience of pleasure.”

Available by the scoop at Ginette, Rue Gourad, Gemmayzeh, Beirut

Bliss House

With several branches across Lebanon, you can’t fault Bliss House for its combination of value, taste and variety. The only problem you might actually face is getting through the mountain of ice cream in each serving before it all melts.

Bliss Street, Hamra

Bachir

A Lebanese classic, Bachir has been around since 1936.

Now with branches across Lebanon, it offers some of the finest ice cream on the market, so loved it has inspired its own Facebook group for people to show their appreciation.

A far cry from the many of the newer and more upscale ice cream places, Bachir sticks to what it knows, with colors and flavors that will appeal to all of the family.

Fifteen branches across Lebanon. In Greater Beirut Bachir outlets can be found in Ashrafieh’s Karm al-Zaytoun and in Khaldeh.

Copyright The Daily Star 2012.