Idan Naim loved ice cream more or less forever, like everyone else. Unlike everyone else, he also traveled in Italy long enough for this love to multiply enough for him to go learn the secrets of the Glyceri professionally. Since then, Naim not only specialized in ice cream, but also learned how to put together unique flavors. And there are also other desserts, because of course it’s not that ice cream alone is a sad thing, God forbid, but we are always happy that it is joined by other sweets to complete the package. To have a truly comprehensive dessert.
Idan harnessed his love for ice cream and his studies in favor of the establishment of Ari, a new ice cream parlor, recently opened on Ibn Gvirol Street, white and shiny in front of the railway renovations. The branch is designed like a laboratory – so that we know that here ice cream is made seriously and with passion. The branch was also joined by his eldest daughter, Ariel, who became close to us, and was also the inspiration for the name of the ice cream parlor. The ice cream dishes were put together by the father and his wife, and are characterized by decadent and playful flavors alongside surprising toppings with a local flavor. This is a dominant ice cream in Mr27, which is served with sauces and toppings. Here you will find, for example, Halva ice cream with the addition of Har Bracha tahini, caramelized sesame and pretzel sauce. A small portion will cost you NIS 20.
A whirlwind of flavors. Ari ice cream. Photography: Yael Stockman
Another flavor that we especially liked, one that is characterized by a European touch, is the Saint Honore – a delicately sweet crème pâtissier ice cream with lotus cookies and sweet caramel sauce. Another intriguing flavor is the tart tatin, which consists of Grand Smith apple ice cream (that is, with moderate acidity and sweetness), plus crunchy and buttery streusel crunch. Vegans also have options: mango ice cream with pineapple and ginger coulis or cashew and salted caramel sorbet and caramel sauce.
Another thing worth noting about Ari ice cream is that Idan employs people with special needs, who help pour the ice cream into the aluminum containers. The workers came through the “Nice Butterfly” association, which was also founded by Naim, inspired by his brother Tzachi, who dealt with autism and died a year ago – and was a big ice cream lover. According to Idan, this is an opportunity to combine some good things about his favorite food in the world – because in the end, there is no such thing as people who don’t like ice cream.
Ari Ice Cream, 21 Ibn Gvirol, 077-320-3973