I scream, you scream, Off the Grid screams for ICE CREAM
With Labor Day fast approaching and temperatures rising, my thoughts are turning to … ice cream! Greenwich Village has recently become one of the best neighborhoods in New York City for the treat, and with fall just around the corner, now is the time to indulge.
For those looking for soft ice cream, that classic summer treat, The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop is where it is at. Big Gay officially launched in June of 2009 as an ice cream truck selling regular soft-serve with inventive toppings with fun names. Now, partners (in life and in the venture) Douglas Quint and Bryan Petroff have two Big Gay Ice Cream shops – one in the East Village and one in the West.
Cones, a fixture on Bleecker Street for almost fifteen years, was started by two brothers from Buenos Aires. The shop features some two-dozen flavors, with regulars swearing by the more exotic-sounding offerings such as corn and Yerba mate, as well as the fruit ices.
For those of you who are lactose intolerant, Victory Garden serves goat’s milk ice cream made with seasonal ingredients. Conceived of by Sophia Brittan, this treat has less fat than ice cream made from cow’s milk and regularly features toppings and flavors straight from the farmer’s market.
If you are in the mood for some Gelato, the West Village offers several options. The Milan-based chain Grom came to Bleecker Street in 2007 and features all natural ingredients in its gelato. Pasticceria Bruno, a family-based shop on LaGuardia Place, has been in business since 1973. Besides their gelatos and traditional Italian ices, you can treat yourself to pastries as well.
For those looking for old-school treats, Rocco’s—a 2008 Village Award winner—specializes in traditional Italian ices, both water and milk based. Since 1974, the Generoso family has owned and operated this venerable bakery on Bleecker Street. You just know that the ices are homemade.
For those who want a cool treat on the run, Pop Bar offers gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt on a stick. This small shop, located on Carmine Street, makes their pops fresh throughout the day in the front of the store where you can watch the magic happen.
Have a favorite not included here? Let us know in the comments.