Madame, P.I. Searches for the Best Snowcone
Meet Agent Anne, Your Heart’s Out’s new super snooper for scouting out the city’s bests.
Before summer calls it quits on us, we sent her to scout-out the area’s best snowcone. But it soon became clear that the “shave ice” varieties are preferred. These things are hard to find in California and New York, but for whatever reason, Salt Lake has a burgeoning population of snow cone/shave ice stands. It must be our sub-tropical climate … or lack thereof.
If you want one of these treats, you better get ‘em while it’s (still) hot. Labor Day is when many shacks turn in for winter hibernation. Hurry up up up to get your last taste of summer.
Assignment: City’s Best “Snowcone”
Stop No. 1: Island Flavor
Location: Approx. 4715 S. Holladay Blvd., Holladay
Closing: “Any day now”
Madame, P.I. Reports:
After wearing my soles, searching far and wide for the best snowcone SLC has to offer, it has come to this: Snowcones are no good. “Shave ice,” however, is uhh-mazing.
I’ve noticed the green truck (yes, Island Flavor operates out of an abandoned van) with tiki torches and a tin roof several times as I’ve driven by. The place has just the right amount of kitsch and the right idea when it comes to shave ice. Finally shaven (no crunchy rocks of ice to scrape your mouth), plenty of sugary sweet syrup (lots of flavors), and a healthy dose of cream—or even ice cream if you please (and you should)—Island Flavor definitely knows how to do things right.
It’s the only place I’ve found thus far that offers the oh-so-delicious and authentic ice cream option. Worth a whirl if you’ve never experienced such an icy-creamy delight.
So far, sooper good. Island Flavor sets a high bar to measure against. Stay tuned to see where I turn up next! Suggestions are welcome.
August 28th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
My kids love the Island Shack – but for my husband and I we are true Snoasis lovers! My ice du jour is black cherry with cream. It is in the Dan’s parking lot on Highland Drive and 7200 So. Try it!!
August 28th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
Island Flavor is def the best in the state. The guy that owns it used to live in Hawaii and proclaims that is how he came up with the best shaved ice in the world. Get it with cream, you won’t regret it.
August 28th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Although I know the owner of this shack, I have yet to try it!! I have heard, though, wonderful things about it!! I think I shall try this week:) thanks for the motivation:)
August 28th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
You’ve got to try Bob’s Brain Freeze on 33rd South in the MILO parking lot (30th East). Our families all time fav shaved ice.
August 28th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Doesn’t BJ Butler own this shack?? Haven’t ever tried it but this kid is great so I’m sure the shaved iced is as delightful as him!
Just moved up to Seattle and haven’t seen a shaved ice stand yet. Maybe someone needs to start the fever up here.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:47 am
love this new P.I. feature. am sure she’ll be hunting high + low for the state’s finest. am sooper excited to try this kitcshy new sno cone spot!
August 29th, 2007 at 9:36 am
Sorry all you city-folk, the best snowcones in the state are actually out in Vernal. Seriously. Of course they have the perfect texture of shaved ice to hold the flavor, but what outbeats everyone else is their cream. It’s not anything like the half-and-half you get when you request cream around here, it’s a homemade, secret recipe that I couldn’t even get them to give me after spending over $400 there one summer. So good, it’s almost worth the 4 hour drive from Logan…
August 29th, 2007 at 10:46 am
You have to try a Rainbow at Pace’s in bountiful. They have the Best shave ice with ice cream in all of Utah!!! If i’m going with the classic shaved ice i’ll always go to the Snoasis in the Dan’s parking lot.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
My fav. has to be Snoasis on Highland. It’s so creamy and delicous.
August 30th, 2007 at 7:57 am
Snoasis! Yay! Yeah, that’s the best out there! :D Oh, and for shaved ice with ice cream — I definitely second the motion to try out Pace’s in Bountiful! OH SO Delicious!!
August 30th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Funny, I had never seen this green truck before until just last Friday while picking up my catering order from Meier’s (which is next door). I did find it to be interesting and almost stopped but I didn’t have time. Next time for sure.
August 31st, 2007 at 6:13 am
I love shaved ice. I basically grew up on the East Coast and these were NO WHERE to be found. We always looked forward to the three plus day drive out to Utah to see family/drop off a sibling at BYU just to get these suckers. We always said we’d open up one here in D.C., but never did it. Can’t wait till our fam reunion next summer in Utah (I haven’t been for 6 years!).
September 4th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Hooray for Island Shack! This place far surpasses Bob’s Brainfreeze (which also does the oh so delicious ice cream option)! And yes, the owner is BJ Bulter.