#64 Ice Cream Renaissance

Ice cream is one of those things that has always been a part of my life and diet.  My dad likes to tease me that my first job aspiration was to become a Ben and Jerry's ice cream taste tester.  Yes, that's me!  The devoted dessert freak with ice cream at the top of the list.  

Ice Cream Renaissance has been a favorite of mine for many years.  I spent my high school and undergraduate years in Vancouver, Washington.  If you know the area, you know that notable restaurants aren't plentiful, but we definitely have gems (ahem, peruse Blind Onion post).  Tucked away in Vancouver's 'downtown' area is a fantastic homemade ice cream shop with a flair for the artistic.  The Vancouver School for Arts and Academics (VSAA) is just up the street and from its inception, this restaurant/cafe has displayed local art from the kids and from other local artists as well.  It has switched owners over the years, but the ice cream is still amazing.  

Everything is handmade and their menu and presentation is as artistic as their covered walls.  I took my friend Mandy there a few months back.  The menu is kind of hefty and she was feeling overwhelmed.  I suggested she get 'Wavering Indecision', one of my sister's favorite things to order when we were teens.  You essentially tell them what you absolutely loathe and love on an ice cream dish and give them free reign to dish up something spectacular.  She took my advice and received this! 

Dinosaur anyone? :)  This still cracks me up.  They put her three requested flavors in the mix and added cookies for arms, spikes (broken graham I believe), candied eyes and gummy bear missing an arm LOL!  

Anyway, check them out!! 


Cost: Reasonably priced for homemade ice cream.  Prices range from a $2.60 single scoop to a $11.99 slice of pie a la mode.  Mmm
Menu: It's fairly hefty, but all favorites make an appearance. 
Food:  Flavors are seasonal with the exception of 'Classics' that are around year-round.  I'd give it a 4/5.
Service: This isn't a big place, but I've never had to wait long for a seat.  Some outdoor seating during the warmer months.  Serving staff are friendly and capable.