New gourmet ice cream shops are keeping L.A. cool this summer. A Mid-City outpost of beloved Sweet Rose Creamery (7565 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 310.844.0944) kicked off the influx in January, joining popular sister shops in Santa Monica and Brentwood. In Playa del Rey, multiconcept Playa Provisions (119 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey, 310.683.5019) houses the Small Batch Ice Cream parlor alongside its restaurant, whiskey bar and cafe. Fresh from Santa Barbara, heritage brand McConnell’s is now scooping at historic Grand Central Market (317 S. Broadway, downtown). Meanwhile, Portland, Oregon’s Salt & Straw plans to unveil its first L.A. location this month (240 N. Larchmont Blvd., L.A.), serving such flavors as Santa Ynez Valley Walnut Oil. And following two successful L.A. pop-ups in its ice cream truck, New York’s cult-favorite Big Gay Ice Cream is aiming for a September brick-and-mortar opening downtown (124 W. 9th St., downtown). Dig in and chill out!