Become an Official Cool Treat Taster
Become an official taster and help us crown Irvine’s best gelato, ice cream, froyo, and shaved ice!
Photo credit Courtney Cook
Summer is heating up, and it’s the perfect time to indulge in something sweet and refreshing. The Vine is on a mission to find Irvine’s ultimate cool treat, and we need your help! We’re officially opening applications for readers to become Cool Treat Tasters—the people who will taste, score, and help crown the city’s best ice cream, gelato, froyo, and shaved ice spots.
Whether you’re a longtime dessert enthusiast or simply love exploring new flavors around town, this is your chance to make your opinion count. Selected tasters will receive a list of nominated ice cream shops and other frozen delights in Irvine, along with an online review form to guide your scoring. Your reviews will help determine which locations rise to the top.
The judging process is simple: tasters will evaluate each spot using categories like flavor, texture, presentation, creativity, value, and overall experience. No prior food critic experience is necessary! Bring your passion for sweet treats and a willingness to share your thoughts honestly.
Applications are open now, but don’t wait too long! All reviews must be submitted online by Monday, August 25 at midnight. This ensures every taster’s voice is counted in the final tally. Once the reviews are in, The Vine will compile the results and announce Irvine’s reigning cool treat champions in a follow-up feature.
Becoming an official taster is more than just indulging in ice cream—it’s a fun way to engage with the local food scene, support neighborhood businesses, and have a little summer fun while you’re at it. Plus, you’ll be part of a select group of dessert enthusiasts shaping the ultimate “best of Irvine” list for everyone in town to enjoy.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to rate the city’s most delicious frozen treats, apply today to become an official Cool Treat Taster. Get ready to taste your way through Irvine’s sweetest spots this summer!