Ice cream fanciers, heads up. According to National Geographic’s The 10 Best of Everything list, the world’s best ice cream is now being scooped in Irvine at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Never shipped from a distant warehouse, Handel’s is churned fresh daily at The Market Place shop using the treasured recipes of Ruth Handel. In 1945, Ruth sold ice cream to customers of her husband’s gas station in Youngstown, Ohio, and a Midwest legend was born.
Irvine location owner John Wokilow is a Youngstown native who grew up loving the hometown brand and delights in sharing the delicious tradition with his community today. His favorite flavors? Butter Pecan and Graham Central Station, though he’ll be using The Market Place location as a test site for new flavors – most recently, Taro.
‘We never skimp’ is Handel’s motto
Ice cream aficionado Tanya Mirell, 5, is already a fan of the Irvine shop and recommends cones over a cup because “you get to eat the cone.” “You can get lots of good flavors,” she says. “And the scoops are so big I can share with my mom.”
“ You can get lots of good flavors. And the scoops are so big I can share with my mom.” – Tanya Mirell, 5, of Irvine
“We never skimp” is Handel’s proud motto that’s proven with every jumbo scoop. Though there’s a choice of 48 homemade flavors now, the recipes rotate from a portfolio of 120, so options are regularly refreshed.
Look for vintage classics like Pistachio or Mudd Pie, family favorites like Monkey Business or Birthday Cake and seasonal treats such as fresh Peach or Eggnog. Can’t decide? Grab a seat on the expansive patio and try a sampler of four mini scoops.
