The Ice Cream Bar Brings On Russell Davis of Rickhouse

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• The soda fountain, marble counter top and ice cream back bar are all vintage items from the 1930's.

As you can see above, things are really coming together at Cole Valley's future 1930's-inspired ice cream and artisanal soda shop, The Ice Cream Bar. With all those vintage touches, it's going to be pretty to look at, and behind-the-scenes, owner Juliet Pries has brought in talented barman Russell Davis of Rickhouse to consult on the soda fountain beverage program. Davis is going to bring back old-school soda fountain drinks and the mixing style that existed in the early 20th Century—before the bobby socked, Grease-like era everyone associates with soda fountains. For example, milkshakes won't be made with ice cream, but with milk, cream, eggs and flavoring—just like they did it in the 20's and 30's.

Davis is working on a slew of interesting tinctures and syrups to use in ten or twelve signature drinks: think strawberry-rosemary soda in the summer and proprietary cola and root beer made-to-order all year long. Pries says there will be about 12 to 14 ice cream flavors too. A menu of counter-service-appropriate, sustainably sourced savory fare like hot dogs and grilled cheeses will roll out a few weeks after the opening. Hopefully, the beer and wine license will come soon thereafter. As of this week, Pries is planning to open for business on January 21st. Check back for menus as they become available.

· All The Ice Cream Bar Coverage [~ ESF ~]