Famished Girl
Sketch Ice Cream, Berkeley
I personally believe that it is never too cold for ice cream (at least not in the Bay Area), so even in the winter you can find me ordering up a scoop at this modern-day mom-and-pop ice-cream parlor.
Sketch is a true labor of love; co-owners Ruthie Planas and Eric Shelton — who met while working at Aqua — were married in the fall of 2005. (The tip jar is labelled their “honeymoon fund.”) The couple’s gelato-style ice cream is made with organic milk from the Strauss Creamery, in small batches that are slow-churned. Thanks to the lack of eggs and cream, the creations manage to be light and full of flavor.
While there are some favorites that are usually on the menu (burnt caramel ice cream, Earl Grey tea ice cream, espresso granita), Sketch offers seasonal flavors, too; on a recent visit, pomegranate granita could be had. Frozen bananas and homemade cookies are also available. And, yes, you can assemble your own ice-cream sandwiches (try the oatmeal cranberry cookie for this!) — or have your scoop served on a crepe, brioche or waffle.
Although there is no indoor seating, there are outdoor tables and benches that are lined up perfectly for people-watching on busy Fourth Street. And if you happen to be one of those people who do think it can be too cold for ice cream, have yours served affogato-style (a scoop in hot chocolate), or warm up with a cup of spiced cider or Blue Bottle coffee.
Sketch Ice Cream
1809A Fourth Street
Berkeley, CA 94170
(510) 665-5650
