Somebody's Best Bets Ice Cream

Out of curiosity I am interested in what the Post thinks is good ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt........ I spent a couple of weeks in Italy recently and pursued many gelato bars - and the fancy ones don't have the best gelato! Now we will see if I actually get myself to any of the Post's favorites and compare... The Post does not include Tropical Ice which is the same as it was when it was named York Castle, on Georgia Ave near 16th St. in Silver Spring, so I question the completeness of their "Best" list. During peach season, Tropical Ice, like York Castle before it, makes fresh peach ice cream. Every year it is a delight and this year it is extraordinary. Bursting peach flavor. Also, in honor of President Obama, Tropical Ice has a new flavor named Harambe. It sounds like a wild combination but a sample got me to change my planned flavor of mango or mango-strawberry to accompany the peach. According to the sign and their web site, Harambe is made of banana and orange from Kenya, coconut and pineapple from Indonesia/Hawaii, rum from Chicago and other international ingredients. Rum from Chicago?????? Hmmmm. One sample bite and I was sold! Incredible stuff!! No flavor was over powering, the blend is exquisite and the hints of Chicago rum are fantastic. Sit and eat it to fully enjoy - this is not ice cream to eat while driving. Tropical Ice - http://www.yorkcastleicecream.com/home.html Best Bets Ice Cream We find it hard to turn down ice cream in any form, whether it's an old-fashioned double scoop or a swirl of frozen yogurt. Post writers have picked these as the cream of the crop. Boccato Gelato & Espresso The flavor combinations at Boccato range from playful (cake batter) to gourmet (pineapple basil) to traditional (tiramisu). 2719 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. 703-869-6522. The Dairy Godmother Indulgent, decadent and velvety are the words that come to mind after a custard infusion. 2310 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. 703-683-7767. Dolcezza The Argentine-style gelateria offers unusual combos like pineapple honey lime and strawberry lime tarragon. 1560 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-333-4646. 7111 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda. 301-215-9226. Larry's Ice Cream The subterranean Dupont shop has lovers and haters. Count us among the former. 1633 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-234-2690 Max's Best Ice Cream The name doesn't lie. This Glover Park staple has been scooping some of the creamiest and most inventive flavors for years. 2416 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-333-3111. Pitango Gelato For his gelato, owner Noah Dan focuses on the basics: fresh fruit and organic milk. 1451 P St. NW. 202-332-8877. 11942 Democracy Dr., Reston. 703-606-9906. Tangysweet Sweet-tart yogurt shops popped up across the region in 2008. We think this chain offers the best version of the treat. 2029 P St. NW. 202-822-2066. 675 E St. NW. 202-347-7893.