Toscanini's Ice Cream   

Once called "the best ice cream in the world" by the New York Times, Toscanini's has long been a favorite haunt of Cambridge denizens and visitors. Founded in 1981 by Gus Rancatore, the local chain specializes in dishing out meticulously crafted, high-quality ice cream. Toscanini's was one of the first ice-cream makers in the country to begin including unusual ingredients in its products. As a result, its selection includes flavors like Guinness, cake batter and clove, as well as flavors that will please ice-cream traditionalists. Located in Central Square, the largest of the Toscanini's chain, this shop has red brick walls, a tile floor and a relaxed decorative scheme. The product of long hours of development and production, the cold treats at Toscanini's don't come cheap -- although this doesn't seem to faze the students, professionals and families who stream through the store's doors.