Summer Time Treats

It’s a sunny day and I roll into the parking lot with the windows down. A welcoming catchy tune fills the air:
“Let's go to the hop, oh baby
 Let's go to the hop … and the music 
 is the coolest at the hop”
The music isn’t the only awesome thing at Dan’s Ice Cream Shoppe.

As I approach the building, I can’t help but admire the red accents, and visually striking signs indicating this is not your average ice cream shop. Soups, salads, subs, smoothies, wraps, rice bowls and baked goods await, along with practically every ice cream treat imaginable. But what truly catches my eye is the larger-than-life banana split sitting on top of the building.

In front of the shoppe is a unique bench with its own name - #dansconethrone. The seat and back resemble a waffle cone, with a delicious-looking layer of ice cream dripping with chocolate sauce, fluffy whipped cream, and a bright red cherry on top. I can already imagine the perfect Instagram-worthy photo op.

Walking in, the smell of freshly baked bread surrounds me. I’m welcomed by a nostalgic retro vibe, black and white checkered floor tiles, and a line of shiny chrome bar stools with red vinyl seats. Adding to the 1950’s flair, a pop of turquoise graces the sign displaying numerous ever changing hard ice cream flavours. I do a double check of the flavour board after hearing
“Tutti Frutti, aw rooty. A wop bop b-luma bam bom”
and sure enough Tutti Frutti is there, along with a dozen other flavours.

A server with an infectious smile is cheerfully jotting down orders at the counter. The person in front of me is customizing their selection, going for the delicious foot long roast chicken sub. Gourmet toppings of broccoli bits and cut grapes were added to the standard fare of cheese, tomato, and other veggies. He decides to skip the mayo and mustard but struggles to choose between the tantalizing house-made honey garlic or sun-dried tomato sauce.

As for me, I decide on the latest addition to the menu – butter chicken with naan bread. I’m excited to give it a go since Dan’s always ensures new items are perfected before introducing them.

While waiting for my order, I can’t help but notice Chuck Berry’s distinctive phrasing.
"Up to the corner and 'round the bend
Right to the juke joint, you go in
Drop the coin right into the slot
You're gotta hear somethin' that's really hot”
With my meal in hand, I make my way to the dining area and settle into a cozy red vinyl booth next to the jukebox. 

Delving into the butter chicken, a mild curry also known as Murgh Makhani, I am amazed at the array of flavours. The chicken is tender and infused with incredible taste. The cream sauce is a blend of turmeric, garam masala, chili flakes, and other spices, adding richness and depth. Fried cummin infused rice, topped with a pickled onion kick, changes white rice into an interesting and tasty side dish. Generously buttered warm naan bread reminds me Dan’s really pays special attention to the details.

A rice bowl sitting on a nearby table is receiving high praise. The warm brown basmati rice serves as the base for a variety of delicious layers. Leafy greens and a sprinkle of soya sauce are covered with a broccoli salad and orange vinaigrette adding a refreshing touch. The inhouse seasoned pork has a rich flavour, and the carrot topping adds a vibrant pop of color. Equal adoration is given to the guacamole bowl, complete with in house marinated roast chicken, fresh tomatoes, corn, romaine lettuce, salsa and a crave worthy spicy sour cream.

Dan’s is often bustling, but it’s spotless. I can’t help but think that the staff took the lyrics of Yakety Yak to heart:
“Take out the papers and the trash, or you don’t get no spendin’ cash.
If you don’t scrub that kitchen floor, you ain’t gonna rock and roll no more.”
Their dedication to cleanliness is truly impressive.

Hanging on the wall is a small photo of a modest white lean-to with familiar red accents – it’s Dan’s when it opened in 1978. This instantly takes me back in time as Rock Around the Clock Again plays softly in the background. Being established in 1978, means this place is almost 50 years old. That would make Dan’s the oldest restaurant in this part of Nova Scotia, and for good reason. Everything here is fresh, and most items are made from scratch including the dressings to the sub rolls and buns.

After finishing the last bite of my butter chicken, I look up and to my surprise the owner Parth is sitting at a retro chrome table engaged in conversation with a familiar face. It’s Dan, the man behind the restaurant’s name. Parth shares how people were thrilled when he announced Dan’s Ice Cream Shoppe would remain open year-round instead of closing during the winter. Dan leans back and smiles upon hearing this. His smile grows even wider as Parth reveals his fifty-year plan. Hopefully, Parth’s vision includes cloning so more people can have the opportunity to enjoy the amazing food and unique experience.

It’s time for me to leave and Elvis serenades me as I walk out the door with a sea salt and caramel ice cream waffle cone in hand, singing
“Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.”
And that’s the way you’ll feel about Dan’s Ice Cream Shoppe after a paying a visit.

Dan’s Ice Cream Shoppe is located at 3724, Highway 3, Barrington Passage, Nova Scotia – across from the Cape Sable Island Causeway and near the Causeway Beach.