The iconic Portland-based, family-run ice cream purveyor Salt & Straw - known for its taste provoking, imaginative cold creations - officially opens its first San Diego scoop shop in Little Italy on Tuesday, December 26!
Opening within the 1,350 square-foot space that last housed Yogurtland, Salt & Straw is a farm-to-cone ice creamery that was founded in 2011 by Kim Malek and her cousin Tyler, a culinary school graduate who is the mastermind behind the ice cream. The menu is based around small-batch ice cream in unique rotating flavors (more than 300 made so far) that are made with seasonal produce and local creams. The modern ice cream parlor currently has 9 locations - one in San Francisco, five in Los Angeles, and three in Portland - with another branch currently underway in Seattle.
"It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to work in San Diego," says co-owner Tyler Malek. "When you look at the innovation coming from local food artisans, it’s hard not to get excited about jumping in. The city has become an incredible incubator for pushing the limits on how food is prepared and shared, and we’re looking forward to becoming a part of that fabric."
The San Diego shop will offer many Salt & Straw favorites like Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache, and Honey Lavender. San Diego-specific flavors include James Coffee & Compartés Love Nuts, Avocado & Oaxacan Chocolate Fudge, and Peanut Butter Stout with Chocolate Chicharrón (featuring Belching Beaver Brewery). Additionally, monthly-rotating flavors created by Head Ice Cream Maker Tyler Malek will reflect the local food scene and collaborations with area artisans. All ice creams are churned in five to ten-gallon batches in their Southern California kitchen in Los Angeles using 100% all-natural cream from 100-year-old, family-owned Scott Brothers Dairy in Chino.
Scoops are available in either cups or handmade waffle cones, in addition to milkshakes, special sundaes, and pints to go. Customers can always skip the line when buying a pint and home delivery is also available through Postmates.
"Salt & Straw was built on the idea of creating the kind of company that’s fun to work for, partner with and support," says co-owner Kim Malek. "We’ve fallen in love with the Little Italy neighborhood and are really excited to be part of the wonderful community of restaurants, breweries, and markets."
The thoughtful approach taken with the creation of every ice cream flavor is mirrored in the design of the scoop shop, as envisioned by Andee Hess of Osmose Design based in Portland. Elements include custom wood paneling, terrazzo tiles, and hand-crafted bar stools, as well as Salt & Straw’s signature awning, an homage to their humble beginning as a red-and-white striped ice cream cart. Each detail engenders the feeling of a modern-day, community-oriented mercantile that brings locals together with friends, family, and neighbors.
Salt & Straw starts scooping at 1670 India Street in Little Italy on Tuesday, December 26 at 11am and will be open from 11am–11pm daily thereafter. For more information, visit saltandstraw.com.