During the bitter, snow-ridden months of winter, shivering Oneida county residents dream of that bright, shining day in March when Bonomo’s Dari Creme opens for the spring and summer seasons. Just off the intersection of Bristol Road and Route 5 lies an oasis for all ages to satisfy every craving with homemade ice cream and a satiating grill menu. Whatever the reason — a round or two of mini golf on the premises (at only $5 per game), a swim at nearby Delta Lake or a tough finals week at Hamilton College — a trip to Bonomo’s, founded in 1962 and co-operated by three generations of the Bonomos family, is a classic place to celebrate every occasion.
Renowned homemade garlic fries and pulled pork barbecue sliders make for an excellent afternoon pick-me-up (and share well among friends at Bonomo’s roadside picnic tables). Bonomo’s burgers are always a steady bet, but the true essence of the Dari Creme is, of course, the homemade ice cream. Consult their monthly flavor calendar for daily soft-serve features (Pistachio hits cones this weekend, people!) or mix and match their house-made hard ice cream flavors to create your own unique sundae (chocolate peanut butter cup and brownie batter anyone?). Homemade flavors vary from classics like Mint Chip to locally beloved Coffee Break, Maple Walnut and Kanoli Krunch. Keep a close eye on summer specials like Hog Heaven — vanilla ice cream swirled with thick caramel and crumbled chunks of Hormel bacon. Want to take a treat to go? Might we suggest homemade ice cream pies in candybar-inspired flavors like Butterfinger, Snickers or Heath Bar. With a little over one month left in their 51st season, Bonomo’s is open daily until 10pm. A sweet state of mind, and an ideal end to a hot summer’s day.
Leave a comment