THE ULTIMATE ICE CREAM TRAIL
SAMPLE THE TREATS ON THE TRI-VALLEY’S SWEETEST TRAIL.
> Start your tour at Danville’s Smallcakes. While the worldwide cupcake
chain is generally known for its, well, cupcakes, stores also make
10 flavors of small-batch ice cream daily. The scoops are often
inspired by Smallcakes’ famous gateau recipes, which means pairing
cake and ice cream is more than possible—it’s encouraged.
> Head to Dublin to enjoy a different sort of ice cream—organic soft serve.
O’Honey elegantly swirls and layers its signature dessert with fun
textured additions, such as Rice Krispies and honey. The deeply
Instagrammable result is just as satisfying to look at as to eat. The
matcha options have garnered rave reviews, and the Honey Lover more
than earns its name.
> Downtown Pleasanton is the new home of MuM MuM Boba Ice Cream &
Snacks, whose specialties include ice cream macaroons, soft-serve ice
cream, mochi ice cream and milk teas with boba. Don’t miss their black
rose-flavored ice cream, inspired by a rare black Turkish rose.
> If you’re in the mood for something a bit
different, Amorino Gelato Al Naturale—
located at the San Francisco Premium
Outlets in Livermore—scoops up more than
a dozen flavors of addictive Italian gelato,
such as lime basil, dulce de leche and salted
caramel. Amorino also offers tantalizing
gelato-inspired beverages, including
frappes (milk mixed with gelato or
sorbet), granitas (iced fruit drinks) and
sorbet drinks (think liquid sorbet).
O’Honey
V I S I T T R I VA L L E Y.COM 2 7
TREAT YOURSELF RIGHT
To satisfy a different kind of sweet
tooth, make a detour to Pleasanton’s
Bake-a-Wish and pick up a seasonal
scone or turnover. Savory fans can
also fill up on its sourdough toast
and avocado. For more decadent
delicacies, look no further than Old
Towne Danville Bakery, established
in 1952. This long-standing spot
does everything from cakes to
cookies; around the holidays, keep
an eye out for its special menus. Or
head to premier Dublin bakery Tous
les Jours, which serves up slices of
cake so aesthetically pleasing that
it’s difficult to eat them. But not too
difficult, because they taste even
better than they look. Livermore’s
Casse-Croute Bakery instantly
transports diners to France with its
authentic tarts and croissants.
Best Bites / DESSERT
@ARI_AQUINO
