Celebration: LA’s Ice Cream Social Unveils Global Flavors You Can’t Miss

The city of Los Angeles is experiencing a delightful transformation in its ice cream scene. This evolution is not just about new flavors but a celebration of diverse cultural influences that have shaped the city’s culinary landscape. On July 31, 2024, LAist will host its annual Ice Cream Social, an event that promises to be a melting pot of flavors and stories from Southern California’s finest independently-owned ice cream makers.

The Event: A Celebration of Diversity

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 31, as LAist invites you to join their Ice Cream Social at The Crawford in Pasadena. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. with an array of samples and tastings, followed by a panel discussion from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are priced at $20 for preferred seating, with a pay-what-you-can option available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The event is part of LAist’s Culinary Connections series, which highlights the inventive and diverse food scene of Southern California. This initiative is supported by California Humanities, an independent nonprofit organization partnered with the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Meet the Artisanal Ice Cream Makers

The Ice Cream Social will feature some of the most innovative ice cream makers in the region, each bringing their unique cultural influences to the table.

*626 Hospitality Group: Founded by Amber Tan and Waldo Yan in 2020, this Arcadia-based shop has quickly amassed a cult following. Open four days a week, 626 Hospitality Group offers flavors that reflect the founders’ upbringing in the San Gabriel Valley and their Vietnamese and Korean heritage. From matcha to Yakult (a Japanese sweetened probiotic milk), the endless topping options range from gummy bears to mochi. The shop is located at 160 E. Duarte Rd., Ste. E, Arcadia, and operates from 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays.

Kinrose Creamery: Headed by the husband-and-wife team Moe Kamal and Maria Oveysi, Kinrose Creamery specializes in Middle Eastern flavors, particularly Iranian and Egyptian. Their standout offerings include baklava ice cream, which combines the flavors of Middle Eastern pastry with spiced walnuts and brown sugar ice cream, topped with flaked pastry bits for texture. Another favorite is their sour cherry ice cream topped with pashmak, Iranian cotton candy. Kinrose Creamery is located at 140 Mills Pl., Pasadena, and is open from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and until 10:30 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays. They also appear at Smorgasburg LA every Sunday.

Tocumbo OC*: Named after a municipality in Mexican Michoacán, the epicenter of Mexican ice cream paletas, Tocumbo OC is run by Jennifer Clausen-Quiroz and her brother Ricky Quiroz. Their shop in Anaheim offers a wide range of flavors, including ice cream sundaes with Gansitos (chocolate-dipped snack cakes with cream and jam) and a selection of paletas with flavors like chamoy and Fervi chocolate ice cream, made with chocolate imported from Zacatecas. Tocumbo OC is located at 956 S. Euclid St., Anaheim, and operates from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Rich History of Ice Cream

The origins of ice cream date back to the second century B.C., with no specific date or inventor credited with its discovery. Historical figures like Alexander the Great enjoyed snow and ice flavored with honey and nectar, while Roman Emperor Nero Claudius Caesar sent runners into the mountains for snow, which was then flavored with fruits and juices. Marco Polo’s return to Italy from the East with a recipe resembling sherbet is considered a significant milestone in the evolution of ice cream.

By the 16th century, ice cream had made its way to England and France. “Cream Ice” appeared at the table of Charles I in the 17th century, and similar frozen desserts were introduced to France by Italian Catherine de Medici. However, it wasn’t until 1660 that ice cream became available to the general public, thanks to Sicilian Procopio, who introduced a recipe blending milk, cream, butter, and eggs at Café Procope in Paris.

The 19th century saw significant advancements in ice cream production, with the invention of insulated ice houses and the establishment of the first ice cream manufacturing industry in America by Jacob Fussell in 1851. Technological innovations such as steam power, mechanical refrigeration, and electric power motors further revolutionized the industry. Today, the United States produces more than 6.4 billion pounds of frozen dairy annually.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to attend the Ice Cream Social, we recommend arriving early to make the most of the sampling opportunities and to secure a good spot for the panel discussion. Pasadena offers a charming backdrop for this event, with its historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene.

For occasional travelers, consider exploring the local area before or after the event. Pasadena is home to several attractions, including the Norton Simon Museum and the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. These sites offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

For seasoned travelers, we suggest diving deeper into the culinary scene of Los Angeles. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, from Koreatown to Little Tokyo and Boyle Heights, offer a plethora of unique dining experiences that reflect the melting pot of cultures that make up LA. Exploring these areas will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the city’s culinary evolution.

In conclusion, the LAist Ice Cream Social is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the rich tapestry of cultures that contribute to Los Angeles’ dynamic food scene. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this event offers a unique opportunity to indulge in delicious treats while learning about the stories and traditions behind them. So, come with an open mind and a hearty appetite, and prepare to be delighted by the sweet evolution of ice cream in Southern California.