KHOU & CultureMap
Houston's best summer treats: A taste test challenge rates the top cool sweets
Friday signaled the official arrival of summer — scientifically speaking.
And while overstocking on antiperspirant, sweat shields and oil absorbing sheets is essential to endure the succulent temperatures coming, CultureMappers prefer to keep cool and, at the same time, satiate our palates with treats that are uniquely Houston.
CultureMap staff writer Tyler Rudick is on the case for this week's KHOU CultureMap Moment, in which he heads to Revival Market to chat with local entrepreneurs offering a refreshing way to beat the heat.
Sarah Johnson from Fat Cat Creamery entices with ice cream flavors including the Cat's Meow Mexican Vanilla, Milk Chocolate Stout and Waterloo Strawberry Buttermilk. Johnson churns her product with locally sourced ingredients from her kitchen in the Heights. The guilty pleasures are available at Revival, though Fat Cat plans to open its own parlor later this month near the corner of Shepherd Drive and 19th Street.
Urban Leaf's Elaine Mau brews an alternative to a popular iced beverage, her bubble tea flavors mixing a bit of eastern flair with southern charm. Homemade caramel with organic milk contrasts the Spice Up Your Life 5 blend, which weds ginger, lemongrass, cloves, black peppercorn and cardamom in one glass.
As finale to this taste test, Serena Hightower scoops out a healthy portion of Yeti Sunshine's snow cones. Lime-basil is the food truck's most popular flavor, with mango-orange-pineapple not far behind. The superfine base from a Hawaiian ice shaver serves as a smooth, frosty foundation for the hand-crafted, real-fruit syrups.
Watch the segment below to see what's available in your own backyard. And if you need more ideas, read CultureMap contributor Ruthie Miller's own summer treat recommendations here.