Hey, apparently National Ice Cream Sandwich Day is a thing! I'm not sure it has been affirmed by a UN resolution or anything, but I'm not going to argue with another excuse to eat ice cream sandwiches. So mark your calendars for August 2 between now and perpetuity.
Of course, every day is Ice Cream Sandwich Day for me. As San Francisco's resident ice cream sandwich expert, here's my recommendations for how to celebrate this proud and fattening day in the Bay Area.
C.R.E.A.M. in Berkeley
You really can't do better than visiting C.R.E.A.M, the very popular ice cream sandwich purveyor in the heart of Berkeley. Handmade sandwiches, made to order, with a wide selection of warm cookies and fresh ice cream. Can't beat it, as the lines of hungry Cal students at all hours will attest.
C.R.E.A.M. , at Telegraph and Channing, Berkeley. Get in line!
It's It
A Bay Area favorite since 1928, the It's It can be found in almost every corner grocery store, liquor store, and supermarket. I prefer the mint chip and cappuccino versions, but they all are great. It's the chocolate coating that sets these over the top of other ice cream sandwiches.
It's Its are available at almost every grocery, bodega, liquor store, and anywhere else in SF where people make hasty junk food purchases.
Miette Bakery
The Miette Bakery in the Ferry Building sells many tasty baked goods that I love. In the small freezer near the register you can help yourself to their version of the ice cream sandwich. I had the crispy graham cracker cookie with creme fraiche ice cream variety, which was delicious. Best washed down with a perfectly made coffee from Blue Bottle next door.
Miette Bakery, at the Ferry Building, San Francisco.
Candybar Dessert Truck
If your tastes are more toward the macaron (i.e. almond marzipan cookies), I recommend you hunt down the Candybar Dessert Truck to have one of their ice cream sandwich creations. The red velvet macaron with vanilla was generous and satisfying.
Candybar Dessert Truck, at various locations around the city. Check their twitter feed for where they are at now.
That's just to get you started.
San Francisco is an awesome ice cream town, among its many claims to fame. Most of the major ice cream shops in the city also have their own ice cream sandwich offerings, including Bi-ride, Humphrey Slocombe, and Mitchells. You can't really go wrong with any of these spots. Also the Andronico's Supermarket in Irving and 14th Avenue has a great selection of artisinal ice cream sandwiches from several providers, including Ruby Jewel, Three Twins, and my favorite Cool Haus. Ice cream sandwich crawl, anyone?
If you aren't already inspired, see the rest of my ice cream sandwich pics on my flickr set here.
Happy , Ice Cream Sandwiching!