We've been having a heat wave here in San Francisco Bay Area. All I've been thinking about is ice cream from Buenos Aires. Not just any ice cream. I've been craving the good stuff: "Helados Artesanales" which means that the ice cream was made in small batches on the premises. I've been to Buenos Aires 5 times in the last 10 years (3 in the last 2 years). Each time, I've learned a little more. Here's a little synopsis, of what I learned:

Chocolate

I love chocolate ice cream. Actually, I should clarify that statement. I love DARK chocolate. My first few trips were disappointed by the chocolate ice cream that I got there because I thought it was a little too sweet. But in trip # 4, I actually used my terrible Spanish and asked the server if he had any ice cream that was "chocolate negro con menos azucar". That was when I learned that I should have been asking for "chocolate amargo"! Once I figured out the right name, I've been very happy with the chocolate ice cream I've gotten there.

Fruit

I never thought I would be a big fan of fruit flavored ice cream. The ice cream available here in the United States tends to be too sweet and not much fruit flavor. However, in Buenos Aires, I've been tempted to try other flavors besides chocolate! My favorite is mostly in the citrus family: Limon (lemon) and pomelo (grapefruit). I can actually taste the real fruit!

Dulce De Leche

Dulce De Leche is a caramel made from milk. The Argentines love this flavor. Every ice cream shop I've been offers more than one version of this flavor. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll love it. I like it best with nuts such as "dulce de leche con nueces"

Shops to Try

Any ice cream shop with the words "Helados artesanales" is worth stopping by. One of my favorites is located in Belgrano barrio near Chinatown called Creme Chic.

If you're in the Palermo Barrio, stop by Venezia which is located on the corner of Beruti and Gody Cruz(near Palermo subway station on D line). It has lots of chairs, tables, and magazines. It's a great place to hang out as well.

Buenos Aires also has many well known ice cream chains. I've tried and liked the following shops:

• Persicco: http://www.persicco.com/
• Freddo: http://www.freddo.com.ar/
• Un Altra Volta: http://www.unaltravolta.com.ar/

Delivery

Yup! Every shop I've seen provides delivery for FREE! Look for the words "DELIVERY SIN CARGO". Personally, I've never tried this service because I want to walk off the calories from once-twice a day indulgences. However, if you have any cravings and don't want to leave your hotel/apartment room, this is definitely an option!

I miss "helados artesanales"! Hmm, I better start planning my next trip back. :)

For more ideas on planning your next trip to Argentina, checkout Zicasso’s Argentina Destination Page.