Omar D’Souza has probably most kids’ dream job – he’s the Ice Cream Man! Since opening in 2017, his shop Parlour has become a local staple, and it’s easy to see why.

Photo credit: Contributed

“When we’re supporting farmers within Kelowna and we’re using their good quality ingredients in our ice cream, it speaks for itself,” says D’Souza.

Parlour uses whisky from Okanagan Spirits, nuts from Gellatly Nut Farm, lavender from Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm, fruit from all over the valley, and even beer from BNA Brewing.

Check Your Head gets used to make a stout ice cream that gets scooped at Parlour, and the famous Earl pale ale is added to a custom blend with which BNA tops some of their desserts.

Both businesses share an ability, and a love, for experimentation. Producing small batches means there is more room to try things out.

Photo credit: Contributed

“Some of them have been great, and some of them have not been so great,” muses D’Souza, and both he and Kyle Nixon (BNA Brewing) bond over the immediate feedback they’re able to gather and use it to tweak their recipes.

Most of the reviews are positive though, and have helped shape Parlour’s core list of offerings, which includes hits like salted caramel, birthday cake, and whiskey hazelnut.

These flavours are joined by a rotating lineup of the latest creations.

D’Souza gives us a crash course in ice cream making, and chats about how he got into the business.

Whatever led him to Kelowna, we’re thankful here’s here and choosing to make his delicious goodies in our beautiful city.

Established in 2015 in the heart of Downtown Kelowna’s Cultural District, BNA Brewing is an independent, locally-owned and operated craft micro-brewery. They brew all of their beer at 1250 Ellis St., and serve it in the attached Tasting Room and Eatery. The Tasting Room serves as a place to enjoy a tasting flight or sleeve, or to fill a growler. The Eatery is a full-service restaurant with an eclectic cuisine full of house-made elements and a bar that goes beyond beer, showcasing select Okanagan wines and carefully curated cocktails. BNA beer is available in most liquor stores in the city, as well as a few throughout the valley and on the coast.

“City Limits” will be an ongoing series giving you an insight into what BNA does best, as well as showcasing some of the movers and shakers they love around the city we all call home.