Since February 2019, Dandy’s Artisan Ice Cream has been serving up made-from-scratch gourmet ice cream to the Regina community – and it’s been a hit. With a second location on the horizon for the Queen City this fall, Dandy’s approach to handcrafted sweet treats has certainly struck a chord.

“The inspiration [for Dandy’s] came from when I was previously living in Vancouver. I was exposed to more artisan and local foods,” said owner Daniela Mintenko. “I wanted to bring something similar and different like that to Regina.”

Photo by Dandy's Artisan Ice Cream

Mintenko says she’s always loved ice cream, and prior to opening Dandy’s, she attended Penn State University for its Ice Cream 101 course, and completed a Pastry Arts Diploma at the Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver. She says the pastry diploma was important because she wanted to include full desserts – like biscotti and brownie chunks – within the ice cream flavours.

At Dandy’s, you’ll find 12 signature flavours on the menu year round, including the popular Triple Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Strawberry Honeycomb and Salted Chocolate Caramel Brookie. Everything is made from scratch, including sauces and toppings. Each month, there are six feature flavours added to the lineup, with many showcasing local ingredients, whenever possible.

Photo by Dandy's Artisan Ice Cream

“This past month, we did saskatoon berry, for example. We have a blueberry pie crumb ice cream and we get our berries from Over the Hill Orchards and Winery,” Mintenko said, noting that the coffee and espresso are locally roasted, too.

In addition to the artisan hard ice cream, you’ll also find soft serve on the menu, plus sundaes, milkshakes and more. Mintenko notes there are plenty of options for those with dietary restrictions, including nut-free, gluten-free and vegan offerings. There is even a new vegan soft serve flavour every week.

Photo by Dandy's Artisan Ice Cream

And if that wasn’t enough – in 2021, Mintenko also added Luxe Artisan Chocolates, an artisanal chocolate business, with chocolates all handcrafted and painted to perfection. The chocolates are perfect for enjoying alongside your ice cream, or they make a great gift too!

When asked why Dandy’s is unique, Mintenko says that it’s both the atmosphere and its dedication to artisan sweets.

“The atmosphere is very lively and personalized. There is a big community presence or feel when you come in here and we have regulars who know the staff,” she said. “We try to create things that would bring a memory to someone – like bubblegum or cookies and cream. We try to make it special.”

Photo by Dandy's Artisan Ice Cream

 

Make it a day trip or a weekend

Turn dessert at Dandy’s Artisan Ice Cream into a day trip or weekend and explore one of Regina’s most popular areas: the Warehouse District!

Where to stay

Regina is home to many hotels with plenty of options, depending on what you’re looking for. Within the Warehouse District, there’s the Four Points by Sheraton, which is within walking distance to many amenities. 

Photo by Dee Kitsch

What to see/do

The Warehouse District has some amazing places to eat, shop and explore. If you’re looking to continue your dessert tour, visit The Everyday Kitchen, known for its handmade sourdough doughnuts in delicious flavours like cinnamon sugar and dulce de leche cheesecake. For your daily coffee fix, visit Brewed Awakening, where you’ll also find BRWD Bagel Co., which is a new extension of Brewed Awakening. The BRWD Bagel Co. menu features all-day breakfast bagels plus “BRWD Bagelwiches,” like the smoked salmon and smoked turkey avocado. 

Be sure to also visit Local Market YQR and its grocery store portion, Local & Fresh, where you’ll find tons of Saskatchewan goods, including everything from locally sourced grocery items to giftware. The market building is also home to Meld Neighbourhood Eatery, which offers breakfast, lunch and dessert, plus dining events throughout the year. While in the area, check out Hanger & Rack, which is a popular curated consignment store and a great place to find a new-to-you treasure!

Photo by Brewed Awakening

Bonus points

The Warehouse District is home to several historic buildings, many of which have been conserved, restored and are still used today. To learn more about the area, take in the Warehouse District’s Audio Walking Tour, which is a self-guided one-hour tour that features seven stops over 14 blocks. You’ll get to learn about both the buildings and the area in general, from the past to the present.

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Dandy’s Artisan Ice Cream is located at 4570 Albert Street in Regina, SK. For more information and hours, visit its website. 

 

Author: Naomi Hansen

Naomi Hansen is a writer and editor based in Saskatoon, SK. She is the author of the book Only in Saskatchewan: Recipes & Stories from the Province’s Best-loved Eateries, which was published by TouchWood Editions in April 2022. Find her on Instagram @onlyinsaskatchewan, Twitter @naomihansen_ or  at www.naomihansen.ca.