Restaurants
The Big Chill
The Big Chill, tucked away around the north-east corner of College & Manning, is hardly tough to spot. Much in the spirit of local ice cream parlour legend, Dutch Dreams (Vaughan & St Clair), they've got a brightly coloured mural that glows in the sun, a fun retro 70's neon sign to light up the night, and a tiny, yet remarkably kitschy and fun, interior.
But, of course (and most importantly), there's lots of delectable ice cream to be had as well.
Stopping in on a weeknight, friends and I order up a mix of single scoops, doubles, a milkshake and even a good ol' banana split.
Highlights include: Cherry Bordeaux (with, but of course, rich Bordeaux cherries monsieur!), Caribou Tracks (better known under its other, less tempting name: Moose Droppings), Brownie Toffee Crunch (remember to floss, later!), Funky Chunky Chocolate (chocolate, chocolate sauce and chocolate chunks. You like chocolate, right?), Dutch Apple Pie (now on a cone!), and the fresh citrus classic, Orange Sherbet.
If that list wasn't already a clear indication, The Big Chill has got terrific variety including a half-dozen sherbets and dairy-free flavours. Prices are also decent, ranging from $2.95 for a single scoop, to $4.95 for a big ol' waffle cone-ful.
Parents, you'll also be happy to hear that your ice cream break also includes $2 cones for kids that they'll enjoy while playing in the toy cars and kid-sized furniture set up outside for them.
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tasty or not depends on flavor i guess. my choice was good last time! so i def come back!
Now, for those who do not know - you should understand that I am an avid fanatical foodie in ALL senses of the term. So when I say I want ice cream, I mean real ice cream. No "iced dairy product" or other nonsensical creations some may call "food." So we had asked around 6 or 7 locals walking around if they knew of any good ice cream parlours around the area. Low and behold, each and every person suggested The Big Chill!
With such a great local reputation, I just had to check it out and see what all the fuss was really about. Then finally…we found it. A full on eclectic dreamland of rich-milky goodness (with a hint of children's playhouse in it); with everything from the genuinely friendly owner with a HUGE smile, to the red pleather booths for customers to sit at. My jaw dropped - and my eyes widened! I swear I literally felt like I had become 10 years younger (I'm a 20 year old student at University of Toronto).
Let me just shorten this up for ya'll - So after a nice and brief discussion with the owner (honestly, one of the nicest people I have ever had the privilege of meeting) my brother and I had decided to start ordering some ice cream. We both decided to try out the Birthday Cake flavour, paired with some delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies and a piping hot cup of homemade hot chocolate. Of course, I just had to top my BIG scoop of dairy-goodness with some rainbow sprinkles - I mean, what's a birthday cake without some rainbow sprinkles, am I right? Well people…I spooned up some of this deliciousness and put it in my mouth. I can't even remember eating the entire dish because I was just too busy relishing in the ecstasy of the moment. The richness. The creaminess. The deliciousness…
This is definitely one of the best ice cream shops I have seen in Toronto (with the exception of Greggs - which is a whole other story!). I URGE you to try this place out if you ever get the chance! I promise you - you will not be disappointed. Gosh - I wouldn't be surprised if this place could cure people of clinical depression that's how vibrant, fun and fantastic it is!
Well it looks like this "comment" has turned into a complete review if I do say so myself! I apologize to everyone for taking up so much of your screen space! However, thank you to those who have taken the time to read my little schpeel - and I look forward to reading about your experiences as well!
PS: BlogTO team, how would one approach the possibility of working as a food writer with you?
Thanks! xo
One choc. Sunday costs you eleven dollars. F that noise.