I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!
By Ms. Gastronome
“Ray “Pop” Giovanoni had been in the ice cream and dessert business since the 1940s. Much of Pop’s early career was spent catering events at the White House serving First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt her favorite ice cream. In 1998, he left behind his little black book of recipes. Today, Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream continues the same legacy that made the First Lady so happy.”
Whewie, it has been one hot summer so far and it doesn’t appear that it is going to be getting any cooler this month. What better way to put the squelch on the heat than stopping in a nice air-conditioned ice cream joint and procuring a couple of scoops in a waffle cone. We thought it only fitting to highlight our very own Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream in this column this month and list the other spots in Old Town (there are several) that cater mainly to the ice cream and gelato crowd.
I pulled up the profile we published about Pop’s in August of 2013 and after reading through our writer – Liz Jones’ – piece, it appears that not much has changed in these last twelve years when it comes to the experience and the vibe at this fun place. To quote Liz:
“In a world of frozen yogurt chains and organic everything, it is refreshing to be reminded that you are allowed to indulge from time to time. I was fortunate to profile a business whose homemade ice cream, fire engine red seats, and checkerboard floors have been bringing the people in Old Town great joy for many years. Ladies and gentlemen, children and adults of all ages, I am pleased to share with you one of the best places to stay cool during these dog days of summer. Whether it is a certain flavor you are craving, or the banana split you have been thinking about indulging in these last few years, Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream has it all! Located in the coveted 100 block of King Street, Pop’s is considered an institution in Alexandria and is truly one of a kind. Read on to get the scoop on what is new and the people who make this place such a success.”
Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream knows how to invoke the nostalgia of childhood, with something as simple as an ice cream cone. There were 27 flavors at Pop’s the afternoon I was there and the scooper that was on duty said they are adding some new ones in the next few weeks. They offer the homemade quality you simply cannot get out of a chain. I tend to get over whelmed when I have soooo many choices, so generally stick with a scoop of good old chocolate topped with a scoop of salted caramel! For those of you who are lactose intolerant, they have a nice selection of Italian ices to cool you off. While it would be to everyone’s benefit for Pop’s to multiply and share their love for ice cream throughout the area, we are happy that they choose to just stick with the original.
In Liz’s initial interview with General Manager Jesse Maas in 2013 (pictured here with his then two and a half year old daughter), he so eloquently stated, “There is only one Pop’s, and it is pretty cool to be a part of that.” In talking with him today, he acknowledges that there is much more competition now than there was 12 years ago but Pop’s remains constant. Probably one of the only drawbacks is the line that can tend to get quite long on a sunny weekend.
Pop’s also offers great party packages that they claim will “make your event easy breezy”. Whatever the occasion may be, a birthday party, an ice cream social, or just catching up with old friends, they have a package for you. They plan and host your party so you have more time to enjoy it with your friends and family. Their professional staff is there to make your special day a memorable one. From scooping ice cream to face painting, nothing is more important to us than ensuring your event is handled with special care and lots of fun. For those parents who have taken a precious moment of their “adult time” to read this article, we feel you should at least return the favor by crossing the “find location for birthday party” off your list. Pop’s is ready to help host your child’s birthday or special event. They also host an annual Halloween Party (October 26th) and Christmas Party (December 14th), so be sure to visit their website and get in touch to learn more!
Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream
109 King Street
Old Town Alexandria
703-836-5676
Popsoldfashionedicecream.com
More Old Town Ice Cream Joints!
In the essence of time and space, we stuck to only those on King Street from the waterfront to the Metro and one block to the south and one block to the north. They are listed below in no particular order with comments from customer reviews:
Pitango Gelato & Coffee
115 South Union Street
“Fast friendly service, top quality gelato, and enjoyable fresh baked goods.”
Dolci Gelati
107 North Fairfax Street
“The gelato was delicious and well portioned while the staff was friendly.”
Ben and Jerry’s
103 South Union Street
“Great selection of cones and ice cream and very friendly staff.”
The Creamery (formerly Scoops)
110 King Street
“I love a good ice cream spot and this is certainly one of my favorite places in Alexandria.”
Kilwin’s Ice Cream-Chocolate & Fudge
212 King Street
“Cute little shop with great customer service! Everything I’ve tried, I’ve LOVED!”
The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar
716 King Street
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
102 South Patrick Street
Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato
111 South Payne Street
Closed ⋅ Opens 12 PM
“Dog friendly patio and DELICIOUS ice cream!”
Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats
200 Commerce Street
“Brandon and his crew serve up fantastic sundaes and root beer floats. This place is not to be missed.
Our intension is to have a comprehensive list of the Old Town spots, however, if we missed someone, we sincerely apologize. Don’t forget about the Dairy Godmother in Del Ray, the Custard Shack in Belle Haven and Cold Stone Creamery on Eisenhower Avenue. They all serve up some tasty treats.