Dutch Dreams
Dutch Dreams recently relocated to a new spot just south of St. Clair, down the street from its old home on Vaughan Rd. Over the past 30 years, the ice cream parlour has become locally famous for its wide selection of ice cream flavours, tricked-out waffle cones and selection of imported treats from Holland.
The new location was previously a fruit market but has been reno'd to look a lot like the old spot. The interior is decked out with a quirky collection of patina'd paintings, Tiffany lamps, figurines and kitschy knick-knacks. It's still recognizable as a set from the movie Half Baked which it was in its former life.
The husband-and-wife team behind the shop, Theo and Dina Aben, who offer a rotating selection of over 60 ice cream flavours. Waffle cones, pressed daily, fill the shop with a sweet, seductive scent.
Dutch waffle cones ($5.80) are hand-dipped in chocolate and rolled with candy toppings, nuts or even Nutter Butter cookies. Two scoops fit inside; you can mix and match from choices like mocha almond fudge, cookie dough or birthday cake.
Milkshakes ($5.34) are available in a choice of any ice cream flavour - I go with peanut butter chocolate. Mixed up in a one litre vat, it is an unholy amount of dairy, and should probably shared. Fruit smoothies are available, too, in flavours like hurricane cherry, pina colada and wild berry.
Sundaes ($7.61) in a house-made waffle bowl include two ice cream flavours and come smothered with your choice of toppings (including hot fudge, caramel, marshmallow fluff or fruit salad) and a swirl of whipped cream on top.
Bulk candies and packaged goods account for every spare inch of retail space, while a freezer case displays cakes and a cotton candy machine advertises itself for parties.
Dutch Dreams is open daily from 11am to 11pm, though it'll likely expand hours until midnight in the summer.
Photos by Jesse Milns