Patch Picks: Best Ice Cream Scoops

Ice cream-loving Pasadenians: You now have Ronald Reagan's blessing to devour that chocolate ice cream that's been calling your name. Forget the calories; we're in the height of the summer, and it's your patriotic duty to observe arguably one of America's best ideas ever. 

Although he probably should've made ice cream the fifth food group, President Ronald Reagan was so enamored by ice cream that he designated the entire month of July as National Ice Cream month, according to the International Dairy Foods Association. As if we needed another reason to bite into that chocolate covered ice cream cone, Reagan also gave ice cream it's own day which thankfully lands Sunday—yes, today! 

After sampling local ice cream spots, Patch has some amazing recommendations. I scream! You scream!

KIDS AND COFFEE LOVERS UNITE

Located across from the the Center at Fair Oak Boulevard and Monterey, has a great array of sweet frozen confection delights that seem tailor-made for kids. Its Birthday Cake ice cream flavor combines cake-flavored ice cream with cake pieces, strawberry ice cream swirls and blue whipped cream frosting. 

Calling all coffee-lovers: If you love the taste of espresso, other sweet indulgences include their Expresso Chip Explosion. 

THE DELIGHTFUL TASTE OF MINT

serves up several flavors guaranteed to make you weak in the knees. The Peppermint Candy flavored ice cream is thoroughly impressive. The desert consists of peppermint-flavored ice cream mixed with peppermint candy bits.

But if you opt for the rich, indulgent taste of an iced cappuccino, Buster's Ice Cream's signature "Down Under" is also a great choice. The iced cappuccino is mellowed by two scoops of vanilla ice cream or any other choice in your likening. Whatever flavor you're into, there are plenty of delicious scoops to put in a cup, cone, shake or float. 

A BATCH OF HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

At Carmela's, the combinations are endless including such as Lemon Basil Sorbet, Strawberry Buttermilk, Fresh Mint with Cacao Nibs, and Lavender Honey. However, the Salted Caramel creation has been the popular choice to date. If you're the kind of person that would rather eat ice cream out of a cup, Carmela's offers the cutest homemade waffle cones. 

Carmella Ice Cream can be found in South Pasadena at the every Thursday. The parlor also just opened their own Artisan Creamery in Pasadena on the lively corner of Washington Boulevard. Your taste buds are clearly worth the drive. 

Note: Interested in making ice cream at home? Carmella's owner Jessica Mortarotti says it's a cinch. Drop in to her store for some ice cream making lessons. 

COOL OFF WITH THIS LOW-CALORIE ALTERNATIVE

If you’re more of a frozen yogurt buff and or want to avoid the brain freeze, your sweet cravings can also be satisfied at Chocochella is sheer artistry and perfect for you frozen yogurt and Nutella buffs. This featured flavor of the month is a tasty blend of both creamy hazelnut and decadent chocolate. Did I mention this swirl is low in calories? 

Menchie's also provides a plethora of toppings ranging from strawberries to nuts to oreos and gummy bears. The options are far from limited. 

Now, let's not disrespect Reagan's wishes.