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Community Corner

Patch Picks: Ice Cream Dreams

If you're screamin' for ice cream, these five local shops have what you need, and more.

Ice cream really is the perfect summer treat—well, unless you're lactose intolerant, in which case, let's go with sorbet. Either way, you've got plenty of options in and near San Marino if you're in the mood for a delicious, cold, sweet treat. Here are just five to get you started:

. Serving up 32 flavors of Lappert's Hawaii Gourmet Ice Cream and Sorbet, Alma B. is the place to go in San Marino. Kona Coffee, Raspberry Brownie and Praline Pecan are bestsellers at this adorable little shop on Huntington Drive, but I also liked the Kona Mocha Chip and Cookie Dough. With plenty of outdoor patio seating in addition to indoor tables, Alma B. is a great place to hang out as you enjoy one of summer's quintessential pleasures.

Carmela Ice Cream. This is artisan ice cream at its best—homemade with natural, organic ingredients from local farmer's markets. The Salted Caramel is a popular choice, but I loved the Lavender Honey—infused with lavender from real flowers. Other intriguing flavors include Cucumber Sorbet, Cardamom and Lemon Basil Sorbet. (Interested in learning how to make ice cream yourself? Carmela's also offers classes—call (626) 797-1405 for more information.)

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. If ever the words "hidden treasure" applied to anything, they apply to Bulgarini, a charming gelateria tucked away next to the Rite Aid at the intersection of Lake Ave. and Altadena. Bulgarini's uses fresh, organic, seasonal ingredients to make authentic Italian gelato that has garnered praise from such sources as L.A. Weekly's Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold and The Wall Street Journal. Memorable flavors that I tried include pistachio (which uses imported pistachios from Sicily), yogurt all' olio and white peach. As a bonus, check out Bulgarini's fun (and free!) summer movie night series.

. Buster's in South Pasadena is a favorite local hangout, and with lots of good reasons. But aside from coffee, sandwiches, salads, and homemade baked goods, Buster's also offers locally made Fosselman's ice cream. Get a cone or a cup, or go for a decadent brownie sundae, banana split or root beer float—so many choices, only one stomach! Guess you'll have to go back again… and again.

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. This South Pasadena landmark was founded in 1915, and is still reminiscent of the old-fashioned ice cream parlors of the last century. They have an extensive menu of tempting ice cream treats, including specialties like Huntington Heath (vanilla ice cream on a bed of hot caramel covered in hot fudge with pieces of Heath candy bar) and signature sundaes like the Mission (vanilla ice cream covered with hot fudge and chocolate ice cream drowned in hot butterscotch).

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