As a new resident of California, I just had to do some exploring of the new city that I am in. I like getting to know my surroundings, finding short cuts and back roads (especially with this California traffic), and finding new restaurants. Not only did I find this hidden little gem, but I was blown away at the concept of this delectable ice cream joint by the name of Da Vinci Ice Cream located in Carson.

Coming from Fort Worth, Texas, I haven’t quite experienced anything like Da Vinci Ice Cream before. Da Vinci combines a trifecta of fresh-baked, warm cookies, over a dozen custom-flavored ice creams, and twelve unique toppings. There is also art located all around the shop that was made by local artists. Most all of that art work is pop culture related. I got to see a comical spin of some of my favorite characters from Harry Potter, BB-8, and the Guardians of the Galaxy. And proceeds from the art sales go to support local schools, which I thought was so awesome to see.

At Da Vinci, you are the artist. You are in charge of creating a delicious masterpiece. When I first walk up, I was given the choice between creating a hand-crafted ice cream sandwich or getting a scoop of ice cream in a cone or a cup. I opted to try the ice cream sandwich. Part one of creating your masterpiece: Choosing between five different, fresh-baked cookies:

• chocolate chip
• oatmeal raisin
• double fudge      <—- (my choice)
• butter sugar
• white chunk macadamia

The next step in bringing your masterpiece to life is choosing one of fifteen unique, custom-made ice creams. As indecisive of a person that I am, it was awesome that Da Vinci allowed me to sample each flavor that I thought would be interesting.

• horchata     <—- (my choice)
• chocolate dipped strawberry
• red velvet
• coconut pineapple
• cookie overload (most popular among other guests)
• mint chip
• florentine vanilla
• Guiness Stout
• Dutch chocolate
• dulce de leche
• banana walnut
• green tea
• peaches and cream
• mango with tajin (SO refreshing)
• watermelon with tajin (ditto)

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Lastly, as my artistic sandwich was finally taking shape, I was given the choice of a dozen different toppings (PRO TIP: your first topping is FREE!) that the sandwich would be rolled in. To compliment the cinnamon flavor of the horchata ice cream, I went for Cinnamon Toast Crunch for my topping.

• chocolate chips
• M&M minis
• Oreo crumbs
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch     <—- (my choice)
• fruity pebbles
• sprinkles
• gummy bears
• nutella
• carmel syrup
• chocolate syrup
• marshmallows
• peanuts

My work of art was now a masterpiece for a brief moment in time before I devoured it.

I’m not sure if it was the extreme heat that California has been having or the fact that the warm, fresh-baked cookies paired PERFECTLY with the custom horchata ice cream, but I’ll be damned if that wasn’t the greatest, most refreshing ice cream sandwich / dessert / treat that I’ve EVER had.

(Second PRO TIP: Use your phone number to sign up for Five Star. Every three to five visits, you get free items, like a cookie or scoop of ice cream!)