4 minute read
ICE CREAM for the Generations
Kasey Allen (left) and his The STIL business partner, Dan Sell. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STIL
By Bonnie Alexander
If Idaho were an ice cream, it would be a delicious bowl of “Idaho Wilderness”— mixed with berries and lavender—according to frozen treat visionaries Kasey Allen and Dan Sell. These founders of the rapidly growing The STIL determined that Boise did not have a flagship ice cream shop that reflected the vibe and flavor of our city.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STIL
Named The STIL, an acronym for The Sweetest Things In Life, Allen and Sell opened their first shop in downtown Boise’s BoDo district in 2017. Fast forward six years, and The STIL has become a Treasure Valley treasure. Three additional locations have opened in Harris Ranch, on the Bench, and at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell. As Allen explained, “We have something for everyone including vegan and gluten free options.” They also sell homemade peanut butter, pumpkin, and banana doggy biscuits.
According to the duo, small-batch ice cream creations in Boise and beyond in the Treasure Valley should explore the local bounty available to create the sweet—as well as salty, spicy, and even a little nutty—menu inspired by everything from cultural references and witty one liners to historical figures and even famous local landmarks.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STIL
Enjoying ice cream is definitely one of The Sweetest Things In Life, and the two have created a place where every generation could gather, share fun, and savor an assortment of ice creams made from locally-sourced ingredients, without preservatives or food colorings. Taking their concept to another level, local beer from Boise breweries, local wine, and liquor-infused ice cream are added to some of their dairy and vegan frozen treat options. Then, in a stroke of genius, they paired ice cream flavors with beer and wine in a myriad of combinations sold in flights so all that appealed could be sampled. Appealing to appreciative 21+ ice cream lovers, The STIL aces other creameries with their delectable adult ice cream flavors. “Ed & Carl Take Reno” adds bourbon whiskey to the mix, and “Sawtooth Road Trip” features Idaho huckleberry ale. Flights include pairings of four ice cream scoops and four glasses of beer, wine, or both.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STIL
Since The STIL opened, they have churned out over 150 different flavors.The menu of 24 flavors rotates regularly based on fresh ideas and seasonal ingredients. 12 favorites stay on the menu as signature flavors. How can one resist “After School Special,” with peanut butter and no bake cookie, or “Licking the Spoon”—aptly named for brownie batter flavored ice cream?
Allen explained that what may seem like wild flavor combinations are actually intentionally created to be “accessible”— perhaps by connecting to childhood memories, or by putting together food items we may not associate with ice cream, but at least we know what they are. The anticipation of new flavors with amusing names keeps patrons coming back for more.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STIL
Not only does The STIL use the highest quality ingredients, including milk from an dairy farm in Idaho Falls, but they make every fresh batch of ice cream onsite at the Boise Bench store. Customers can watch the process through windows dividing the shop from the kitchen. The rich creaminess and denser ice cream comes from the premium milk with 16% butterfat churned slowly in Italian gelato machines.
The STIL crafts small batch ice cream from Idaho dairy, creative and creamy vegan options from coconut cream, plus famous booze-infused creations. Pair your scoop with a wide selection of local beer and wine for an experience unlike any other—create your own ice cream sandwich, or try an affogato made with ice cream and fresh espresso.
The success of The STIL can be attributed to friendly attentive service, high quality products, and a comfortable atmosphere. Juxtaposing new and old—a modern interior design and old school large blackboard menu with a changing handwritten list of ice cream flavors and ice cream-based treats—The STIL is an intergenerational hot spot where cool treats and summer patio seating ensures you always enjoy The Sweetest Things In Life.
