Ithaca Celebrates the Sundae's Birthplace With Free Ice Cream in July
ITHACA, NY, March 23, 2006. Visitors to Ithaca, the birthplace of the ice cream sundae, will get a cool treat from the sweltering heat this July. To Celebrate National Ice Cream Month, select Ithaca restaurants will offer complimentary* Purity Ice Cream sundaes, the area's signature brand, on Sundays in July. The sweet offer is valid with purchase of any entr'ee at participating Ithaca restaurants.
Though several cities claim to be the birthplace of the ice cream sundae, Ithaca has the oldest documented proof. An Ithaca Journal article, dated April 11, 1892, describes the sundae's creation in Ithaca as taking place "on a whim" one hot Sunday afternoon in 1891. After the day's sermon, local pastor John M. Scott and parishioner Chester Platt, took two dishes of ice cream, splashed a candied cherry on top and covered the entire dessert with cherry syrup - making Ithaca the true birthplace of one of America's favorite summertime treats.
Purity Ice Cream, the Pride of the Finger Lakes, was first produced in Ithaca 1936 when Leo Guentert opened his shop on First Street. Over the ensuing 70 years, Purity's unmatched quality and taste turned it into a regional favorite, tickling the taste buds of Central New Yorkers with flavors like Fingerlakes Tourist, Bulldog Crunch, and Boomberry, along with traditional varieties.
Participating restaurants include The Boatyard Grill, Juna's Caf'e, John Thomas Steakhouse, Le Petite Caf'e, Olivia's and Taughannock Farms Inn.
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