The local scoop
Summer sparks an abundance of fun activities like visiting your local ice cream shop or creamery. A pleasurable indulgence of an ice cream cup or cone under the hot sun or a cool comfy summer night is a core memory for just about everyone. Here in the Midwest, our massive farming and dairy industries have created an amazing culture surrounding ice cream and small local ice cream shops stand out as important landmarks in our communities. These smaller local producers use higher quality ingredients and have the ability to make smaller batch limited flavors, which allows experimentation to occur. Non-dairy ice cream is also on the rise and many of these producers offer an alternative without compromising the essence of this beloved frozen treat. This month’s blogpost will highlight a handful of Michigan ice cream producers found at the Rivertown Market.
Milk + Froth
Our first feature is Milk and Froth, a Detroit born, flavor obsessed ice cream shop founded in 2018, Milk and Froth has been leading the pack for the past seven years as a local ice cream marvel. From classic favorites to niche inventive combinations, Milk and Froth’s mission has been simple: create ridiculously good ice cream that people feel great about eating. Everything is handmade in Detroit’s Eastern Market, all from scratch and in small batches using the best ingredients they can source without any chemical stabilizers or artificial flavors. Milk and Froth does their own pasteurization in house, by heating and blending their ingredients together, they enhance the natural flavors and create a smooth luxurious texture. Once the pasteurization process is complete, the ice cream base is cooled and then aged, it’s churned at an optimal speed to create an ice cream that’s richer and denser. Their non-dairy and vegan alternatives have sparked a large following and they’ve gained a reputation for creating some of the best alternative ice cream available. Many of their staple flavors are available in many markets along with their two storefronts in Ann Arbor and Detroit, pop in and see what the buzz is all about.
Aruba Freeze
Another Detroit ice cream producer that stands out is Aruba Freeze. Founded by Aruban native, Joe, and his partner Tiffiny, their story started while vacationing in Aruba and they wondered what they could bring to the island that didn’t already exist, this idea carried over to the United States and Aruba Freeze was born. Inspired by the flavors of the Aruban islands, their dedication to sourcing the highest quality ingredients with the use of liquid nitrogen has created a unique product that is hard to replicate. The process starts with 100% organic high quality cream and for the vegan alternatives their flavors can be made with coconut, almond, or oatmilk. Following their selection and flavor building the magic really takes place when the liquid nitrogen is added while churning the cream, at a temperature of -320 Fahrenheit, this rapidly cools the cream mixture and creates an ice cream with an amazing texture that is void of ice crystals, this process is also done very quickly, so freshness is guaranteed and everything is made to order. With over two dozen unique flavors and a variety of toppings, Aruba Freeze is a must try this summer for any ice cream lover.
Ray’s Ice Cream
As we explore the Metro Detroit ice cream scene, a short drive north will take us to Royal Oak’s legendary, Ray’s Ice Cream. Ray’s was founded in 1958 by Raymond and Bernice Stevens as a neighborhood ice cream parlor focused on quality and ice cream served with a smile. Their reputation over the last 70 years for making some of the best ice cream in the area is no coincidence, to this day Ray’s uses many of the same recipes that have been perfected over several generations. Led by the founders’ great-granddaughter, their timeless ice cream has been voted some of the best over and over again for decades now. Their dedication to quality and amazing service has cemented themselves as a fixture not just in their neighborhood but in the surrounding cities near Royal Oak. Ray’s has become a destination for people in the area and they plan on continuing their tradition for as long as possible. Many of their classic favorites can be found on the shelves and menus of local markets and retailers and many flavors are being served by many restaurants.
Browndog Creamery
To finish this blog off, we’re headed to downtown Northville, home of Browndog Creamery. Founded in 2015, with the intention of opening a restaurant, founders Brian Scherle and Paul Gabriel ended up opening a micro-creamery that’s taken off at a tremendous rate and has become a destination for ice cream lovers in south east Michigan. Inspired by their rescue dog, Flash, a Boston Terrier adopted by Brian and Paul, the spirit of their dog has driven their business to the forefront of the amazing ice cream scene we have here. As the business expanded, their production was moved to Downtown Farmington, years of success followed, a liquor license was purchased, and the creamery grew into a “Barlor” and a restaurant. The team behind this project has created more than just delicious ice cream but has a restaurant with a savory menu and an entire craft cocktail program on top of it. A handful of their flavors can be found at higher end markets across the metro Detroit area and their scoops and pints are available at their restaurants in Northville, Farmington, and Lansing.
As summer is in full swing and our sweet tooth is sore for a cup or a cone of something sweet and delectable, we’re reminded how spoiled we are to have such an amazing ice cream scene here. To satisfy one’s craving, Rivertown Market carries the brands mentioned above and are proud to feature local producers strengthening our communities and businesses, one cone or cup at a time.