With summer sun coming on strong, the new Salt & Straw ice creamery at Santa Rosa’s Montgomery Village is one of June’s most anticipated openings. The grand opening is scheduled for Friday, June 20.
The Portland-based scoop shop is all about surprising fans with out-of-the-box flavors like Sea Salt Caramel Ribbons, Honey Lavender, Arbequina Olive Oil, and Salted Malted Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
Its ever-changing monthly specials offer even more unexpected combinations. In June, featured flavors will include wild-foraged berry pie (with double-baked pie crust folded in), wildflower honey and lemon chess pie, and a savory Gruyère and tomato custard tart.
Vanilla and chocolate are always on the menu, but why be boring?
Last year, Salt & Straw teamed up with Russian River Brewing to create a beer-infused ice cream using the brewery’s Supplication Ale. The ice cream included ribbons of chocolate fudge that Salt & Straw owner Tyler Malek infused with the ale, swirls of sour cherry marmalade and manchego cheese.
“It’s a bizarre mixture but totally works,” said Russian River Brewing co-owner Natalie Cilurzo last June.
The grand opening will kick off 11 a.m. Friday. Nearby Avid Coffee will provide cold brew samples in the morning and local musician Brie Page will be performing from 6-9 p.m.
Salt & Straw joins several new food and beverage tenants at Montgomery Village. Mendocino Farms opened in May. Upcoming additions include Fieldwork Brewing, Sprinkles Cupcakes, Blue Bottle Coffee and Sweetgreens. Opening dates for those businesses have not yet been announced.
Salt & Straw, 700 Village Court, Santa Rosa, saltandstraw.com
Find more of our favorite local ice cream shops here.