BEST Bites to Beat the Heat
Mother Nature has been quite the tease so far this season.
A string of unseasonably cool days has us almost duped and unprepared for what’s surely coming. But we do remember what those sweltering, oppressively humid days feel like, and we have the preemptive antidote, or at least some coping mechanisms.
Our team has curated a delightful list of sweet and savory chilly bites that are sure to beat the heat.
From ice-cold oysters to refreshing gelato—and where to find them—we've got your cravings and body temperature covered.
For some of us, shaved ice is synonymous with summertime. At The Nomadik Few in Piedmont, the icy, frozen treat of our childhoods gets an upgrade with powdery, snow-like texture, imaginative flavorings—Cinnamon and Dill Pickle are on the menu!—and some quite sophisticated options like Mojito, Lychee and Butter Beer. Or, pick your favorite colors to make an edible art project. Kids of all ages are welcome to ice down here.
O-CHA
Is it a snack? Or a drink? How about yes! Boba is equal parts perplexing (for some) and delightful for many, but what’s most important is how quickly it can cool you off on a roasting hot day. Grab your favorite flavor of tea or juice with the tapioca surprise awaiting in the bottom of the cup, and stroll along the Reedy River for a waterfront experience downtown Greenville.
Chip Myles knows more than just pizza. During those 30+ years in Bowling Green, Ohio, the Myles family also owned the Dairy Queen directly across the street from the original Myles Pizza Pub location. Combine co-owner and daughter Meredith Myles’s, passion for baking and you’ve got yourself an original Chipper Sandwich available during summer months only.
Soon to offer double the pleasure with a fun second location in the Parkin’s Mill area, this Overbrook ice cream shop is *the spot* if ice cream in different ways is your coping mechanism of choice. From rootbeer floats to ridiculously sized banana splits, everyone in your crew will find a delicious way to cool down here.
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Seriously, can we just escape to the Italian coast already?? If the answer is “no,” because, in reality, the next best option is gelato scooped by our friends at Dolce Italy. Upon entering the shop, you’ll immediately forget you’re in Greenville as the smells and sounds whisk you, if only mentally, thousands of miles away to Genoa. If you haven’t already forgotten the heat, one bite of gelato will do the trick.
This shaved ice is really saying “get on our level.” Sugar, spice but make it ice? We’re in.
MANGONADAS 🥭
•Shaved ice
•Homemade mango purée
•Chamoy sauce
•Chile powder
•Tamarindo candy
All the right combinations.
Along with this classic Cabo treat, they are currently offering MEXICAN HOMEMADE ICE CREAM (yes, you may get ALL CAPS excited about this with us) and fresh-squeezed orange juice.
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If there was a genre for beautiful paletas, Delicias La Michoacana would win for their stunning creations. The newest addition to their collection is the watermelon (sandía) paleta, so picturesque that it's almost a shame to eat. You can also find these summer treats at Cucho's Tacos and Grille and Pangaea Brewing.
From the owners: “We like to keep the authenticity while also providing new and unique flavors and mixes! We pride ourselves in the color, design, and flavor of our paletas! Made with ❤️!”
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Sometimes having a cold dessert isn’t enough of a cool down. You need the full meal to help keep the temps low. The chilled shrimp and avocado cocktail at Asada is one of our favorite savory (and tangy) ways to chill out after a long day. And you know how we feel about the sangria—go ahead and order that, too, for a bright and boozy situation.
The Jones Oyster Co.
Fresh. Briny. And just above freezing, nestled on chewy ice. Oysters at The Jones Oyster Co. have become a go-to for team OTGG. With a rotating daily selection, you can be sure the freshest options are on the board, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. Get there early (may we suggest happy hour? or a leisurely lunch?) so you don’t miss out on your favorite Beau Soleils or Malpeques.
Have a go-to treat for staying cool when the temps rise? Drop us a note in the comments so we can all be in the know.