Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Savoring the Last Days of Summer with Ice Cream in NYC

Ever since we were kids, ice-cream and summer would go hand in hand.  But despite how nostalgic and familiar ice cream can be, there's always a new flavor or technique to be learned.  Last weekend, I dragged my hubby to try a few new-to-us local ice-creams.  Why did we find? A couple of unique flavors and definitely a few must-eats for those living in or visiting NYC (and in one case, the tri-state area).

We found Melt Bakery selling ice cream sandwiches ($4) at Hester Street Fair.  Feeling adventurous, we decided to try the "mystery sandwich".
It turned out to be Rosewater Pistachio baklava sandwiching Pistachio ice cream.  It was an interesting idea, but incredibly sweet. My hubby thought it tasted more like brown sugar.  We did like the pistachio nuts (and wanted more of them) and did appreciate the unique concept.
At a nearby stall, we (well, really I) got excited by all of the exotic flavor combinations at Guerrilla Ice cream.  There was Chai Masala as well as Mango, Lemongrass, and Palm Sugar sorbet.  But after trying a sample of all of them, we gravitated towards the 72% Chocolate and Port Wine with Bruleed Frozen bananas and Cashews ($4.50).
We both loved the Bruleed Frozen Bananas on top. It seemed so easy - freezing banana slices, cover them in sugar, then caramelize them with a blow torch...we're definitely trying this at home!  The ice cream itself was so rich and slightly smoky.  Despite being full, we quickly emptied the cup.
Just like when we looked for It's-It ice cream sandwiches in San Francisco, we headed to Fairway here in NYC to find Adirondach Creamery Ice Cream ($3.99 each at Fairway.  They're also found throughout the tri-state area at various stores).  We love that this locally-produced ice cream is made with all natural ingredients (including hormone-free milk) and that the owner left the finance world to pursue his passion for ice cream. 
Two flavors that we love, for completely different reasons, are the classic Whiteface Mint Chip and the unique Kulfi Pistachio Cardamom.   Think of the best mint chocolate chip ice cream and the fresh feeling you get from eating Peppermint Patties and you'll get the Whiteface Mint Chip.  Named for the Whiteface Mountain skiing area in Lake Placid, NY, this ice cream was so crisp and cool.  Loved the thin pieces of dark chocolate too!

For a deliciously exotic flavor, the Kulfi Pistachio Cardamom ice cream was surprisingly addictive.  We both love cardamom spice and were pleased by how strong its flavor is in this ice cream.  I don't think I've ever had Kulfi before (an Indian frozen dessert), but I did like this frozen dessert.  My hubby declared this one to be his favorite of the two flavors.  

Summer's not yet over, so check out a couple of these local ice creams before they're gone!  

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