Dessert destination
By Janna Odenthal Post-Tribune correspondent January 20, 2012 2:46PM
Beth Shrader, owner of Dog Days Ice Cream Parlor in Chesterton, Ind., watches Parker Whitmore and Emmett Sullivan of Chesteron as they eat gelato at the parlor on Dec. 21, 2012. | Steph Langan~For Sun-Times Media
If you go
What: Dog Days Ice Cream Parlor
Where: 119 S. Calumet Road, Chesterton
When: 2 to 9 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Closed Monday and Tuesday
Contact: Marty Shrader, 775-6773
Worth noting: Cash purchases only at
this time
Article Extras
Maps
Updated: February 25, 2012 8:02AM
Sledding, snow angels and other winter activities are here at last. Marty and Beth Shrader are inviting the public to come in from the cold and thaw themselves with a cup of hot homemade cocoa at their new Chesterton business, Dog Days Ice Cream Parlor.
Each cup of hot chocolate is created with milk, sprinkled with cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger and then topped with cinnamon whipped cream. Hot coffee and flavored teas are also available.
Their 1920s-themed parlor features an old-fashioned soda fountain, various gourmet gelatos, sorbetto and hot drinks. The romantic setting includes a mural on the wall depicting an antique view of downtown Chesterton, with trolley, horses and other items typical of days gone by.
While guests relax on the patio-style tables and chairs, jazz and ragtime music from the 1920s plays in the background. Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Benny Goodman and others entertain while individuals choose samples of the various delights.
Rebecca Bretzinger of Valparaiso recently visited the ice cream parlor for the first time. She sampled the maple honey flavored gelato. She also ordered toasted coconut almond fudge, which was served with a small vanilla pirouette cookie.
“The maple honey is very well balanced. You could definitely taste both. It’s really good,” Bretzinger said. “Gelato is always good. It’s nice to have that kind of choice. There’s so many great flavors that I need to come back and try.”
The Italian-style ice cream is creamy, dense and available in a multitude of flavors. Blends include tiramisu, crème de menthe chip, caramel pistachio, peppermint candy, pumpkin, banana foster, Tahitian vanilla, strawberry forte, peanut butter cup, butter pecan, mascarpone and more. Currently best-selling is the French chocolate caramel brandy fudge. Marty Shrader said he encourages sampling and feedback from the community.
Due to customers’ suggestion, he said they now put malted milk balls in the bottom of each cone to prevent drips.
“We’re a dessert destination,” said Shrader. “We want to make it a nice place to be, so people enjoy what they see, hear and smell. We’re looking forward to a bright future.”
Dog Days Ice Cream Parlor is open year-round. Items can be purchased in scoops or pints.
Although the front entrance faces Broadway Street, guests are also welcome to enter through the back door, giving easy access to the sledding hill at Coffee Creek Park at 246 E. Morgan.
Comments Click here to view or make a comment