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Tuesday, May 27, 2008

 

Dreamy Creamy Scoops opens in downtown Belleville

Posted on Tue, May. 27, 2008

Dreamy Creamy Scoops opens in downtown Belleville

BY JAIME INGLE
News-Democrat

The scent of homemade waffle cones brings customers through the front door and an array of Edy's ice cream gets them to stay at Dreamy Creamy Scoops in downtown Belleville.

Owner Bulent Elkat scooped bright blue bubble gum ice cream into a homemade waffle with a scoop of green mint chocolate chip and pink strawberry ice cream.

"Our waffle cones are thin and crispy," said Bulent. "I make them every morning."

Every scoop of ice cream comes with a scoop of cheer.

"When I think of ice cream, I think of pink and blue," said Belmar Richardson, Bulent's girlfriend who co-owns the ice cream parlor with him.

The pair whips up shakes, spoons fresh fruit topping over three ice cream scoops and a sliced banana for a banana split and dips waffles cones in chocolate and sprinkles. Another creation is the dreamy berry sundae: ice cream with blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Belmar thought of the name Dreamy Creamy Scoops and talked Bulent into painting the storefront bright pink.

Bulent has been living the American Dream since he moved to the United States seven years ago from Istanbul, Turkey. He sold office supplies to large companies in Turkey but left to escape a struggling economy.

"I paid all my debts, sold everything," he said.

He moved to Miami, where he tried selling more office supplies. In the hot, humid climate, he had better luck with ice cream.

He met Belmar when she was vacationing in Miami a couple years ago. She also grew up in Istanbul, but was living in Belleville. He moved to Belleville earlier this year to be closer to her.

They opened Dreamy Creamy Scoops in late April in the spot that once housed a slot machine store and a coffee shop.

The shop has a black-and-white checked floor with bright pink and turquoise accents against white walls. It also has second-floor loft seating.

"The kids always like to go up to the balcony," said Belmar.

Bulent and Belmar rent the space from Belleville businessman and artist Ronnie Phillips.

"In our country, you have cafes all along the street. We wanted that here," said Belmar.

Bulent added a small lunch menu. Two all-beef hotdogs, chips and a drink are $3.99.

"We want to add soups and gyros later on," said Bulent.

The couple take pride in personal service.

"We have a group that comes in here on Mondays," Bulent said. "We know their names and what they like."

On the menu

16 flavors of ice cream (add $1 for waffle cone. $1.50 for decorated waffle cone and $1.75 for a waffle bowl)

1 scoop ($1.99)

2 scoops ($2.79)

3 scoops ($3.59)

Banana split ($5.99, three scoops of ice cream with fruit topping and chocolate)

Milkshake ($3.99)

Dreamy berries sundae ($4.99)

If you go:

Where: 104 E. Main St, Belleville

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon-8 p.m. Sundays

Information: 355-0814

© 2007 Belleville News-Democrat and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.belleville.com





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Wednesday, May 07, 2008

 

Belleville to get seven new restaurants

Belleville to get seven new restaurants


News-Democrat

Mayor Mark Eckert announced today that the city will get at least seven new restaurants, including four restaurants in the Belleville Crossing shopping center off Illinois 15 and two restaurants at Green Mount Commons on Carlyle Avenue.

The new restaurants at Belleville Crossing are Wendy's, Arby's, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Buffalo Wild Wings, and some of them may be open by the end of the year.

Also, there's a "strong lead" on a White Castle restaurant at that location, Eckert said.

There will be a Wendy's and a Hardee's opening at Green Mount Commons, near the new Wal-Mart Supercenter, by the end of the summer, Eckert said.

Also, a McDonald's is planned for the intersection of Illinois 177 and Green Mount Road and could open by the end of the year.

© 2007 Belleville News-Democrat and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.belleville.com





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Thursday, May 01, 2008

 

Margaritas Expansion Open Tonight

The expanded portion of Margaritas will be open for business tonight (it it's not already)...

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