When it comes to Gilroy’s annual celebration of all things garlic, there’s one item on the menu that often evokes a strong reaction. Love it or hate it, garlic ice cream is a popular treat during the Garlic Festival, which often falls on some of the warmest days of summer.
First-time tasters who waited in the long—but quickly moving—lines on Friday, July 25 for a free cone, offered their takes on the cool treat.
• “I went into it thinking it was going to be gross, but it’s really not bad.” – Justin Moyes, of Corona, a first-time Garlic Festival attendee
• “It’s subtle. The garlic is sort of the aftertaste. I’d get in line again.” – Megan Piazzisi, of Orange County, a first-time Garlic Festival goer
• “It’s not good. I wouldn’t stand in that line again.” – Nada Norris, of San Pablo, a first-time Festival goer. Family member Janet Norris-Green, who has been to five Festivals and eats the ice cream every time disagreed: “It needs to be in the stores!”
• “The vanilla is great. It tastes like real ice cream, like homemade. It’s refreshing.” – Gloria Carter, of Merced, about her 5th Festival, but first time trying the garlic ice cream
• “It’s very subtle and not overpowering. I’d stand in line for it again, but with an umbrella.” – Nancy Ford, of Clovis, a first-time attendee
