Ice cream: those two words evoke nostalgic memories of cold creamy goodness on a hot summer's day. Self-described ice cream aficionados Michael Lai and Tommy Choi understand that fond feeling very well.
In fact, the two long-time friends love the classic dessert so much they went on a quest to find the ultimate ice cream before opening their own specialty shop in Vancouver. Michael and Tommy sampled varieties from around the world, but it was on a road trip to Los Angeles that the duo discovered the “perfect” frozen treat.
“We were on a five-day ice cream diet,” quips Michael. “All we ate while in L.A. was ice cream. We came home a little heavier.” The duo indulged in several varieties of gelato and ice cream until they both decided that the ultra premium extravagance was nitrogen ice cream.
Artisan nitrogen ice cream is created by adding a shot of liquid nitrogen to a custard base; the mixture freezes instantly and is then blended to create a smooth, intensely creamy scoop with almost no ice crystals.
After spending a year experimenting with a variety of ingredients, Michael and Tommy opened Mister Artisan Ice Cream in June 2016. Based in Yaletown, the contemporary ice cream parlour features a white brick wall, marble counter tops, colourful mixers and a minimalist decor that let's the frozen treats take centre stage.
