What's Cooking: Young's Custard returns, and Beaver gets new soft-serve shop
(What's Cooking is a twice-a-month look at the Beaver Valley food & drinks scenes.)
Good news for your sweet tooth: Blackbird Market plans to open July 1 in downtown Beaver.
"Our market will feature an old-fashion soda fountain that will serve soft serve ice creams and milkshakes," Blackbird Market's ownership team, Melanie Noll Vaughan and her sister, Denise Muiter, posted on Facebook. "Our state-of-the-art machines are capable of blending all sorts of treats into our creamy soft serve ice cream."
Cinnamon Toast Crunch blend, for example.
"Most importantly we will have gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options, so everyone can enjoy our treats," the post said.
Gluten-free restaurants: Restaurants offering gluten-free menu options for those on the diet in the Beaver Valley
That includes gluten-free waffle cones, bubble waffles and brownies.
"Good gluten-free treats have always been important to Denise," Melanie explained. "Being a celiac herself, she has raised a family with everyone being gluten-free. Special treats were often hard to find over the years, so she baked herself or ordered online. Although the internet and other stores have become better at providing gluten-free and dairy-free treat options, she hoped for a local place where her kids could grab a treat easily like the other kids."
The Beaver sisters' store also will carry prepackaged foods and unique gifts.
Melanie is skilled at epoxy art and creates custom charcuterie boards, decorative wall art and ornaments that will be sold on-site, too, through her Vaughan Art and Ink line.
Blackbird Market will be located at 601 Third St., in the former site of C&S Sports store.
C&S Sports is now in the former Castle Toys at 682 Third St., Beaver.
Young's Custard returns
A beloved ice cream stand has returned in New Sewickley Township.
Young's Custard Stand & Grill reopened last Friday off Route 68.
Many people were saddened last year when Young's owners announced they were closing the iconic roadside ice cream business to devote more time to their families.
Young's owners managed to keep the 2024 reopening secret until a Facebook announcement last week that spawned hundreds of "likes" and positive comments.
A family-owned institution since 1948, Young's draws customers from coast to coast who enjoy frozen custard. The most popular flavor, black raspberry, returns Memorial Day weekend.
Opening weekend flavors included pistachio.
Details on hours of operation and menu plans will be announced soon.
Bourbon in Beaver Falls
Bourbon drinkers will head to downtown Beaver Falls on June 15 for the "All Things Bourbon" sampling at seven city businesses.
Participants include Jus1More Sports Bar & Grill, Enelow Shoes, Wolfes Shoes & Clothing, Hutch and Home, Chaotik Java and Sax on 7th.
Tickets for the 21-and-over event are available at those businesses the day of the event, or online.
"Stop by our many shoppes and sample the many tasty bourbon treats and beverages while shopping and exploring Beaver Falls," organizers from the Beaver Falls Business District Authority say. "Our restaurants and bars will be open for business and food trucks will be set up throughout. McLaughlin Distillery will be on hand to offer two Bourbon classes.
There will be live music from County Crew in Falls Park throughout the day.
Scott Tady is entertainment editor at The Times and easy to reach at stady@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Young's Custard returns; Beaver gets new soft-serve & shakes shop
