Summer is definitely here now that we are up to hitting 90 degrees F with that 12 hours and more of gorgeous sunshine beaming down on us. That also makes it ice cream season. Have you been to Little Bean PDX, which recently opened at NW 12th and Johnson in the Pearl? It’s worth the hype – Little Bean PDX is the best vegan ice cream I’ve ever had. And, they have much more going for them then ice cream, if that isn’t already enough.

First of all, the ice cream is made of chickpeas – and you can’t really tell. They offer many satisfying fun flavors that go well together mixing and matching to make your favorite combination. My favorite is Orange Caramel with Cold Brew Coffee, which brings together orange creamsicle with a nod to affogato. It just barely inches it way to my top pick over the Szechuan Strawberry with Cherry Chai.

Other flavors for your consideration include Triple Chocolate, Blackberry Basil, Mint Matcha, and Lemon Ginger. The texture is creamy and rich, even though the ice cream is non-dairy, nut free, soy free. I have always preferred ice cream in a cup so I can use a spoon and combine flavors in my bite and it’s less messy, but you can also opt for one of their plain or chocolate chickpea waffle cones.

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