Where Ottawa locals go for the best ice cream
'It's all about the mouth feel,' Haley has told the Citizen. 'It's creamier and denser. There's just something different about it.'
Article content
The classic flavour for frozen custard is vanilla and while some serve it from a dispenser, like soft ice cream, purists insist that it must be scooped. It's served at a much higher temperature than regular ice cream and must be made fresh just hours before serving, not frozen solid and stored like ice cream.
Article content
You can take home pints of Haley's ice cream — up to 20 flavours from chocolate to hibiscus passionfruit to pina colada to hibiscus passionfruit might be available — for $10 each. But many of the people lining up on a warm summer night will enjoy their scoops ASAP, lingering outside the store.
Launched in 2015, Liz Mok's much-admired ice cream business quickly won a broad following for its unique, small-batch, Asian-themed frozen treats. But Moo Shu is a recent arrival in Hintonburg, having moved there in the fall of 2024 after outgrowing its original Centretown location. Intriguing varieties such as Hong Kong milk tea, White Rabbit (inspired by the Chinese candy of the same name), black sesame and dalgona (Korean sponge toffee) and coffee must be tasted to be believed. Ever the innovator, Mok has also created flavours such as Blueberry, Ricotta & Basil, Chèvre & Cherry Fig Chutney and Salted Honey & Crostini. Her strawberry ice cream is marvelous, overcoming the high water content of those tasty berries to create a confection from local fruit that's absolutely fresh and natural. A two-scoop serving is $7.50, a three-scoop serving is $9.75, while a one-pint tub goes for $15.
Article content
Article content
Article content
Joe Calabro's venerable Preston Street bakery has been selling gelato since year one — 1979 — making Pasticceria Gelateria Italiana the pioneer of Italy's great gift to frozen dessert lovers in Ottawa. At first, the shop sold just 12 flavours, and health inspectors told Calabro that he couldn't use a traditional spatula to serve his gelato and had to use a scoop instead. Now, the store serves 24 types of gelato, with pistachio as its top-seller, along with six kinds of sorbet. Single scoops are $7.95, doubles are $9.95 and triples are $11.95. You can enjoy your gelato in the cafe or on its shaded terrace overlooking Preston Street.
Article content
Article content
Made fresh daily and served year-round, Calabro's gelato is half-way between ice milk and ice cream, with a consistency that's smoother and softer than regular North American ice cream. His gelato is light (about four to six per cent butter fat content compared to the 10 per cent or more in most ice cream) and it bursts with natural flavour.
Article content
Article content
After most ByWard Market dessert counters have wiped their trays, Piccolo Grande stays open and busy right up until 10 p.m. On warm nights, benches out front fill with couples sharing scoops and kids dripping sorbet down their wrists under the dragon lamp posts that frame the pedestrian strip.
Article content
The gelateria, which has operated out of the historic, stone-walled location since 1987, makes Italian-style ice cream on site in small rotating batches, behind a doorway with a sign reading 'gelato factory.' The flavour list rotates through standards like bacio and stracciatella, and surprises like honeyed saffron French vanilla streaked with threads of the spice, chocolate orange or creamy pomegranate, more soft than tart. Dairy-free fruit flavours stay close to their ingredients without artificial sweetness. Popular options like grapefruit and pumpkin cycle depending on what's in season.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Observer
7 hours ago
- National Observer
Freeland tells MPs she is 'dismayed' by BC Ferries' decision buy Chinese ships
Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland told MPs Friday she was "dismayed" by BC Ferries' decision to purchase four new electric-diesel ships from a Chinese shipbuilder using a $1 billion federal loan — but did not call for the loan's cancellation. The House of Commons transport committee launched a study of the Canada Infrastructure Bank loan on Friday. BC Ferries announced in June that it had hired China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards to build the new ships after a five-year procurement process that did not include a Canadian bid. The Canada Infrastructure Bank contributed a $1 billion loan to the deal and said in June that the new ferries "wouldn't likely be purchased" without this financing. In her opening remarks before the committee Friday, Freeland said she was troubled by the planned purchase and she believes in supporting Canadian jobs. She said she has sent 71 letters directing all organizations under the Transport Canada umbrella to prioritize Canadian content in their major procurements where feasible — particularly Canadian steel, aluminum, and lumber. When Canadian options aren't available, she said, the preferred option is to buy from countries with trade deals that include reciprocal procurement agreements. Dan Albas, Conservative transport critic and committee co-chair, requested the committee study of the purchase and has asked why $1 billion in public funds was earmarked to finance overseas shipbuilding in the middle of a trade war with the U.S. Freeland said Transport Canada will soon be convening a meeting with provinces and territories, ferry owners and operators, shipyards, labour representatives and the steel industry. She said she's also assembling a second meeting with major rail operators. Freeland did not directly respond when MPs asked her whether the government would push for the cancellation of the loan. She said she agrees that this is a moment of crisis for the steel and aluminum sectors and they need the government's support. The Canada Infrastructure Bank is accountable to Parliament through Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, who also testified at the meeting. In his opening remarks, Robertson told committee members that the shipbuilder was chosen by BC Ferries, not the federal government or the Canada Infrastructure Bank. He said BC Ferries conducted its own global procurement process that didn't yield bids from Canadian shipyards. Robertson said he's disappointed by BC Ferries' decision and wants to see more Canadian-built vessels and more opportunities for domestic industry to participate in major infrastructure projects. He also called the purchase a "critical" investment and said that "these ferries need to get built." Robertson assured MPs that there will be Canadian jobs associated with the maintenance of the ferries and at terminals. Robertson said the government is looking closely at how it can better align its industrial policy, procurement tools and investment incentives to "support and scale up Canadian capacity in important sectors like shipbuilding." He said the Canada Infrastructure Bank is independent of government and that most of the projects it has funded involve Canadian infrastructure and businesses. BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez told the committee that it received six compliant bids to replace its four oldest ships, all from foreign countries. While two Canadian shipyards pre-qualified for the competition, he said, neither chose to formally submit a proposal. The organization chose the proposal that offered the best combination of value, quality, delivery, speed and protections for customers, Jimenez said. "This was a choice between a foreign bid or no new ferries," Jimenez said, adding that BC Ferries spoke with officials from the federal transportation department in April about the fact that the procurement was coming to a close. Jimenez said that if the company had gone with another foreign proposal, it would have cost up to an extra $1.2 billion. Even if there had been a Canadian bid, he said, "it too would have cost more and those ships would have taken up to a decade longer." "British Columbians desperately need safe, affordable, reliable new ships to keep them and our economy moving. Our decisions have saved our customers and British Columbians from unaffordable, unnecessary fare increases," he said. Throughout the build, Jimenez said, BC Ferries will have a team of Canadian experts on site in China to ensure high standards of quality and security. Ehren Cory, CEO of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, told MPs that the Crown corporation played no role in BC Ferries' procurement decision. He said it's not the bank's role to tell project partners where they should buy their components. Cory said that regardless of where BC Ferries gets its vessels, the benefits of the Canada Infrastructure Bank's financing go directly to service users "by keeping fares more affordable and ensuring new, reliable, cleaner ships are in service as soon as possible." Jeff Groot, executive director of communications for BC Ferries, has said the company signed the loan with the bank before the contract with the Chinese shipyard was finalized. Freeland sent her B.C. counterpart, Mike Farnworth, a letter in June saying she was disappointed that BC Ferries would choose a Chinese state-owned shipyard "in the current geopolitical context," and asking him to confirm that no federal funding would be diverted to purchase the ferries. Before Friday's meeting began, Bloc MP Xavier Barsalou-Duval said he'd like to see an apology from the government and from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. He said it's "unacceptable" and "problematic" that the government plans to invest in foreign infrastructure when Canada's steel industry is facing tariffs from the United States. The new vessels are expected to join the BC Ferries fleet between 2029 and 2031. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 1, 2025.
Vancouver Sun
8 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Freeland tells MPs she is dismayed by B.C. Ferries' decision to buy Chinese ships
Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland told MPs Friday she was dismaye' by BC Ferries' decision to purchase four new electric-diesel ships from a Chinese shipbuilder using a $1 billion federal loan — but did not call for the loan's cancellation. The House of Commons transport committee launched a study of the Canada Infrastructure Bank loan on Friday. BC Ferries announced in June that it had hired China Merchants Industry's Weihai Shipyards to build the new ships after a five-year procurement process that did not include a Canadian bid. The Canada Infrastructure Bank contributed a $1 billion loan and said in June that the new ferries 'wouldn't likely be purchased' without this financing. Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Westcoast Homes will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. In her opening remarks before the committee Friday, Freeland said she was troubled by the planned purchase and she believes in supporting Canadian jobs. She said she has sent 71 letters directing all organizations under the Transport Canada umbrella to prioritize Canadian content in their major procurements where feasible — particularly Canadian steel, aluminum, and lumber. When Canadian options aren't available, she said, the preferred option is to buy from countries with trade deals that include reciprocal procurement agreements. Dan Albas, Conservative transport critic and committee co-chair, requested the committee study of the purchase and has asked why $1 billion in public funds was earmarked to finance overseas shipbuilding in the middle of a trade war with the U.S. Freeland said Transport Canada will be convening a meeting with provinces and territories, ferry owners and operators, shipyards, labour representatives and the steel industry. She said she's also assembling a second meeting with major rail operators. Freeland did not directly respond when MPs asked her whether the government would push for the cancellation of the loan. She said she agrees that this is a moment of crisis for the steel and aluminum sectors and they need the government's support. The Canada Infrastructure Bank is accountable to Parliament through Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, who also testified. Robertson told committee members that the shipbuilder was chosen by BC Ferries, not the federal government or the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Robertson said he's disappointed by BC Ferries' decision and wants more Canadian-built vessels and more opportunities for domestic industry to participate in major infrastructure projects. He also called the purchase a 'critical' investment and said that 'these ferries need to get built.' Robertson said the government is looking closely at how it can better align its industrial policy, procurement tools and investment incentives to 'support and scale up Canadian capacity in important sectors like shipbuilding.' He said the Canada Infrastructure Bank is independent of government and that most of the projects it has funded involve Canadian infrastructure and businesses. BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez told the committee that it received six compliant bids to replace its four oldest ships, all from foreign countries. While two Canadian shipyards pre-qualified for the competition, he said, neither chose to submit a proposal. The organization chose the proposal that offered the best combination of value, quality, delivery, speed and protections for customers, Jimenez said. 'This was a choice between a foreign bid or no new ferries,' Jimenez said, adding that BC Ferries spoke with officials from the federal Transportation Department in April about the fact that the procurement was coming to a close. Jimenez said that if the company had gone with another foreign proposal, it would have cost up to an extra $1.2 billion. If there had been a Canadian bid, he said, 'it too would have cost more and those ships would have taken up to a decade longer.' 'British Columbians desperately need safe, affordable, reliable new ships to keep them and our economy moving. Our decisions have saved our customers and British Columbians from unaffordable, unnecessary fare increases,' he said. Ehren Cory, CEO of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, told MPs that the Crown corporation played no role in BC Ferries' procurement decision. He said it's not the bank's role to tell project partners where they should buy their components. Cory said that regardless of where BC Ferries gets its vessels, the benefits of the Canada Infrastructure Bank's financing go directly to service users 'by keeping fares more affordable and ensuring new, reliable, cleaner ships are in service as soon as possible.' Jeff Groot, executive director of communications for BC Ferries, has said the company signed the loan with the bank before the contract with the Chinese shipyard was finalized. Before Friday's meeting began, Bloc MP Xavier Barsalou-Duval said he'd like to see an apology from the government and from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. He said it's 'unacceptable' and 'problematic' that the government plans to invest in foreign infrastructure when Canada's steel industry is facing tariffs from the United States. The new vessels are expected to join the BC Ferries fleet between 2029 and 2031. With files from David Baxter
Toronto Sun
10 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Freeland tells MPs she is 'dismayed' by BC Ferries' decision to buy Chinese ships
Published Aug 01, 2025 • 3 minute read The BC Ferries vessel Spirit of Vancouver Island leaves Tsawwassen, B.C., bound for Swartz Bay, on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Photo by DARRYL DYCK / THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland told MPs Friday she was 'dismayed' by BC Ferries' decision to purchase four new electric-diesel ships from a Chinese shipbuilder using a $1 billion federal loan — but did not call for the loan's cancellation. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The House of Commons transport committee launched a study of the Canada Infrastructure Bank loan today. BC Ferries announced in June that it had hired China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards to build the new ships after a five-year procurement process that did not include a Canadian bid. The Canada Infrastructure Bank contributed a $1 billion loan to the deal and said in June that the new ferries 'wouldn't likely be purchased' without this financing. In her opening remarks before the committee Friday, Freeland said she was troubled by the planned purchase and she believes in supporting Canadian jobs. She said she has sent 71 letters directing all organizations under the Transport Canada umbrella to prioritize Canadian content in their major procurements where feasible — particularly Canadian steel, aluminum, and lumber. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. When Canadian options aren't available, she said, the preferred option is to buy from countries with trade deals that include reciprocal procurement agreements. Freeland said Transport Canada will soon be convening a meeting with provinces and territories, ferry owners and operators, shipyards, labour representatives and the steel industry. She said she's also assembling a second meeting with major rail operators. Freeland did not directly respond to questions from MPs about whether the government would push for the cancellation of the loan. She said she agrees that this is a moment of crisis for the steel and aluminum sectors and they need the government's support. The Canada Infrastructure Bank is accountable to Parliament through Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, who also testified at the meeting. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In his opening remarks, Robertson told committee members that the shipbuilder was chosen by BC Ferries, not the federal government or the Canada Infrastructure Bank. He said BC Ferries conducted its own global procurement process that didn't yield bids from Canadian shipyards. Robertson said he's disappointed by BC Ferries' decision and wants to see more Canadian-built vessels and more opportunities for domestic industry to participate in major infrastructure projects. He also called the purchase a 'critical' investment and said that 'these ferries need to get built.' Robertson assured MPs that there will be Canadian jobs associated with the maintenance of the ferries and at terminals. Robertson said the government is looking closely at how it can better align its industrial policy, procurement tools and investment incentives to 'support and scale up Canadian capacity in important sectors like shipbuilding.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The CEOs of BC Ferries and the Canada Infrastructure Bank are set to testify at the committee meeting later today. Jeff Groot, executive director of communications for BC Ferries, said the company signed the loan with the bank before the contract with the Chinese shipyard was finalized. Dan Albas, Conservative transport critic and committee co-chair, requested the study and has asked questions about why $1 billion in public funds was earmarked to finance overseas shipbuilding in the middle of a trade war with the U.S. Freeland sent her B.C. counterpart, Mike Farnworth, a letter in June saying she was disappointed that BC Ferries would choose a Chinese state-owned shipyard 'in the current geopolitical context,' and asking him to confirm that no federal funding would be diverted to purchase the ferries. Before Friday's meeting began, Bloc MP Xavier Barsalou-Duval said he'd like to see an apology from the government and from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. He said it's 'unacceptable' and 'problematic' that the government plans to invest in foreign infrastructure when Canada's steel industry is facing tariffs from the United States. The new vessels are expected to join the BC Ferries fleet between 2029 and 2031. — With files from David Baxter Celebrity Toronto & GTA Toronto Blue Jays Columnists Ontario
