Aoki's Shave Ice - North Shore, Oahu HI

What better on a hot Winter day than ice cream...how about ice cream topped with shave ice and delicious syrups!

Having never had Shave Ice before and hearing nothing but good things I had to have it while visiting the North Shore of Oahu. Shave Ice is similar to a snow cone, but ten times better. Shave Ice is made by shaving a block of ice rather than using crushed ice like a snow cone. The process of shaving the ice helps it to absorb the delicious flavoured syrups and toppings, such as pineapple, condensed milk and li hing mui...

There are two main shave ice shops in the North Shore: Aoki's and Matsumoto Shave Ice. From what I hear both are great, but I chose Aoki's as the line was somewhat shorter. I believe I chose right, I don't think shave ice could taste any better than the one Aoki's made up for me. I had the Local Mix with ice cream and loved it so much that I drove up to the North Shore again on the last day of my trip just to have it one more time before heading back.

P.S. Shave Ice it typically served in a paper cup, but I suggest spending the extra $0.50 and getting the plastic cup; you'll find it much easier to eat.

Marble Slab Creamery, Westshore (Langford)

Stopped by the Marble Slab in Millstream Village last night, this is only my second time going to Marble Slab, but I quite like it. Actually, I think I have just been on a ice cream kick lately; who would have thunk it - craving ice cream when it is snowing outside.

If you haven't been to a Marble Slab before it is much the same as other ice cream places; except, Marble Slab adds a bit of a twist to the normal ice cream experience. You have the option of having your ice cream mixed with a variety of toppings. Now, I know what your thinking, but this is a little more special than adding topping to ice cream. In fact their experienced staff mash and blend your ingredients together on an ice cold metal tray - I tend to think it is an anti-griddle, but don't want to speculate encase I am wrong. Either way, the ice cream comes out just the way you want it: delicious!

All of Marble Slab's ice cream and waffle cones are made fresh. So, you are definitely getting your money's worth. Everyone always tells me that Marble Slab is so expensive, but I beg to differ. I actually believe that their prices are right on par and comparable to places like Dairy Queen and Qoola. They charge somewhere between $4-$5 for two scoops and a waffle cone.

They also do up some mean ice cream cakes. It was my stepson's 16th birthday today; and as any teenager he absolutely loves ice cream. We ordered him a Snickerdoodle ice cream cake ($24) that was simply devine. I would even argue that their ice cream cake is better than Dairy Queen's. Don't get me wrong though, I still love Dairy Queen's cakes.

Qoola, Westshore

**UPDATE/CORRECTION** I made the mistake of saying Qoola serves ice cream; in fact, they don't (only frozen yogurt). See the comment by Qoola Nanaimo.

Mmmmmm.... Qoola has been long overdue in Victoria and you can tell by the recent explosion of Qoola franchises throughout the CRD. It started off in the new Uptown shopping centre and now includes locations in the Westshore and most recently on Yates Street. If you are unfamiliar with Qoola, I suggest you check out their website at www.qoola.ca or, and probably more benificial, check it out in person. My words don't do it justice, but in short it is a frozen yogurt/ice cream bar where you create your own sundays from a wide variety of toppings. All of Qoola's frozen yogurt/ice cream is made fresh daily. If you are not into ice cream, you can also design your own smoothies and waffles.

My first experience with an ice cream bar was in Las Vegas and ever since then I have thought about what a great idea that was. I am glad that others realized the same thing and brought this delicious franchise to the Island.

It is hard to review a dish as everyone is responsible for their own concocsions, but I can say that the ingredients are fresh. There is also enough variety that you can have something completely different each time you go. I will; however, provide a word to the wise - watch how much you load up your bowl because the price is based off weight.