Cary ice cream shop honored nationally

The NICRA, which includes more than 400 members of independent ice cream shop owners, hosts a yearly competition honoring ice cream shop producers with ribbons for best flavors. This was the first year Andia's entered the competition. Their French Vanilla flavor was a half point shy of the blue ribbon winner. Judges did blind tastings to determine the winners.

"Most ice cream experts always test a brand's vanilla ice cream as it is the foundation for all other flavors. With vanilla, you cannot mask your quality. It is as pure as any ice cream flavor can be," owner Andia Xouris said.

For the holidays, Andia's is offering a ice cream pies (butter pecan, pumpkin and apple) and ice cream bon bons (peppermint, hazelnuts and double chocolate). Gift cards are also available.