The Maple Parlor Hits High Marks

It's been months since I've wanted to try The Maple Parlor, Portland's very own gourmet soft serve frozen yogurt shop.  And of course I took my PDX foodie partner in crime, Annie along for the ride.  We weren't sorry in the least and were so impressed by their full on offering, that we'll certainly be back soon.

Atmosphere:
Unlike other self serve fro-yo shops, the Maple Parlor exceeds expectations in several ways, including in atmosphere.  I love its purple color scheme which is prominent throughout the shop, as well as its fun wallpaper accent wall, adorning big light-up MP initials that are fun for posing and taking selfies (such as the above).  Luckily, we had the shop to ourselves, given it was later in the eve, thus making it that much more magical.

Aside from the charming decor, we loved that you can sample virtually every flavor of soft serve--Maple Parlor's friendly staff encouraging us to do just that. If you're looking to spruce up your fro-yo concoction with toppings, you can of course use your imagination, but right next to the fro-yo machines, you'll notice a handy dandy recommendation board, showcasing their most popular combinations.  Nice touch, Maple Parlor!

Fro-yo:
There's about 8 different fro-yo flavors to choose from on any given night, but they always include their signature Maple flavor.  Even though we tried nearly all of them, some being really innovative and exotic, it all boiled down to that classic Maple, which is what both Annie and I ended up with.

My Sundae - Choosing the medium sized cup, it provided the perfect size for an after dinner dessert.  Filling it with the aforementioned maple flavor proved delicious, along with fun toppings such as candied bacon, peanut butter shell, coconut chocolate chunks and pumpkin mousse.  The toppings were the best part quite frankly, as they gave you a chance to be creative and indulge a bit too.  And who doesn't love a little bacon on their sweet treat? I do!  Annie took this route too, being more of a purist about it, as she topped her sundae with bacon.  Just bacon.

Service and cost:
The folks at the Maple Parlor were friendly and helpful, immediately pointing out their little sampling cups to us, giving us the opportunity to try most of their flavors before committing.  Overall, they were pretty unobtrusive but managed to be there to help when we needed them.

Costs are reasonable, at $5 for a medium sized cup with unlimited toppings.  So. Darn. Delicious.

3 Mmmms

The Maple Parlor - 3538 SE Hawthorne, Portland OR 97214
503.206.4757
themapleparlor.com 

A Chocolate Attack at Ruby Jewel Ice Cream

Since days have gotten longer and warmer, I'm always looking for an excuse to go out for ice cream.  Trying most of the places in my direct neighborhood, it's always nice to switch things up so Dan and I along with friends, Barry and Suzanne headed to Ruby Jewel the other night for some frozen treats.

Atmosphere:
Located right across the street from Stormbreaker Brewing on Mississippi Ave, Ruby Jewel was the perfect place to hit up after visiting the brewery.  On a weekday evening, we found it quite busy and had to wait in line for a few minutes, showing testament to its popularity and goodness.

The space itself is lovely, adorned in cheery colors and photography that displays the delicious ingredients they use as well as people enjoying ice cream.  There's some fun quotes displayed on the wall too that are good conversation starters while you wait for your ice cream - helping the anticipation build.  It's also great to see that there's an extensive seating area inside with an open air atmosphere that's just so pleasant on a mild night.

Ice Cream:
There's a few flavors of the month you can choose from as well as their "always flavors" that are (you guessed it), consistently on the menu.  Dan and I went with the former while Barry and Suzanne chose the more classic flavors. I'd say we all won and our empty cups and devoured cones were the evidence.

Black Forest Cake - I couldn't resist trying something chocolatey, which is why this was my choice and I loved it.  Boasting a few chunky bits of chocolate cake and cherries, it was as rich, creamy and delicious as they come.  Even though this is definitely full fat ice cream, it didn't feel heavy in my belly.  This went down easy and was just as enjoyable a few minutes later as when I was eating it.

Mexican Hot Chocolate - Dan got this flavor in a sugar cone and it was fantastic.  Not too sweet and pretty cinnamoney, it reminded me a little bit of Horchata (the Mexican rice-milk and cinnamon drink).  The cone smelled and tasted divine and added sweetness and crunchy texture to each bite. 

Oregon Strawberry - Recently getting my dose of local strawberries at Sauvie Island, I knew Suzanne would be in for a treat.  Sure this flavor is simple and classic, but that's just what makes it so great.  The strawberry flavor is earthy, clean and palate cleansing.

Service and Cost:
Even though I mentioned there was a line, it progressed quickly and once we ordered, our ice creams were in our hands in minutes, and not long after in our bellies.  The staff seems generally happy to be there, and doesn't mind letting customers try different flavors before making a final decision.

Costs are on the higher side, but still lower than at a place like Salt & Straw, setting us back about $15 for 4 various sized portions.

3 Mmmms

Ruby Jewel - 3713 N. Mississippi Avenue, Portland OR 97227
503.954.1345
rubyjewel.com

Rose's Ice Cream - Scooping Up Flavor and Value

Given the beautiful weather in Portland lately, Dan and I have enjoyed taking walks and exploring our nearby neighborhood haunts.  Sure, there's all the sexy restaurants and shops on Alberta St, but aside from that, we've been exploring the sights on 42nd Avenue.  One such family business that's recently become a favorite of ours is Rose's Ice Cream.  Unlike the high profile Salt & Straw on Alberta St., Rose's boasts traditional homemade ice cream that never goes out of style.  And it's certainly given us more than one reason to come back.

Atmosphere:
When you look at it from the outside, it's easy to misjudge Rose's as an unappealing old school institution.  While this assumption about Rose's age isn't untrue, I'd wholeheartedly dispute every other stereotype.  And yes, while everything about this place connotes an episode of Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives that's exactly what makes it so great.  All that nostalgia and old fashioned signage, seating and overall decor takes you back in time to a place when you were a kid and had only the simplest worries in the world.  There's something very comforting about returning to a place like this and knowing it still exists in an evolving, gentrifying city like Portland.

Ice Cream:
Boasting over thirty flavors of ice cream, some of which are daily specials makes the selection process for a customer a tough one.  A few buzzwords do it for me every time, such as chocolate and peanut butter, so sooner than later I made my decision.

Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream - Even though it looked simple, the flavors in this ice cream were all sorts of perfect.  The best part was the creamy, lush texture, which was softer than velvet and I loved that both the chocolate and the peanut butter flavors stood out.  A personal tip with any of their ice creams would be to leave them out for about 5 minutes before digging in, as helps to make them taste even smoother and more custardy.

Rocky Road ice cream - Trying this flavor most recently, the dark chocolate was pure decadence and once again even more delicious when you let it sit out for a few minutes.  A minor complaint would be that they could've been more generous with the marshmallows, but the almonds were plentiful.

Service and Cost:

Just like everything else in this old school shop, the service is warm and personable.  The folks working behind the counter are helpful and generous with their scoops - just look at this hefty waffle cone (pictured above) Dan got the other day!

Costs are inexpensive and offer great value for the quality of ice cream at just $2.95 per scoop.

3 Mmmms

Rose's Ice Cream - 5011 NE 42nd Street, Portland OR 97218
503.256.3333
rosesicecream.com

What's the Scoop? Yumminess!

After a long but enjoyable hike the other day, Dan, my Mom (who was visiting from NY) and I headed over to Life of Pie for delicious pizza and then moseyed over to What's the Scoop? for ice cream - a perfect combination.  The temperate hit nearly 50, which was good enough for us to get a scoop of something cold and delicious.

Atmosphere:
Situated on one of our favorite blocks in North Portland, which is North Williams Avenue, What's the Scoop? is a charming little ice cream shop surrounded by other delicious establishments.  The whole block is pretty new, as in less than a year old so its facade as well as its interior is shiny, modern and sleek.

What awaits inside is a spacious ice cream parlor and a full on creamery with the most amazing smell coming from their freshly made ice cream cones.  The ice cream is made from liquid nitrogen, I found out, which results in more creaminess and longevity.

Ice Cream:
As in most Portland ice cream shops, customers are welcome to try any flavor for free, which is just what we did before deciding on our final ice cream choices.  After some deliberation, the following flavors won over:

Cone Yo! - Attracted by this unique flavor, it included chunks of their homemade ice cream cones including the chocolate flavored ones.  At first the cone flavor was very subtle, but after a few spoonfuls, I dug up some nice chunky pieces and loved them.  The vanilla ice cream that surrounded the cone action was superb and ultra creamy.

Orange Chip - This flavor is what my mom ordered, and I have to say she chose wisely. The ice cream was super refreshing and boasted a pronounced orange flavor that also tasted very natural.  Little chunks of super dark chocolate gave it a little indulgence and a hint of sophistication too.  I'd order this one next time, as well.

Service and Cost:
Our server was polite and gave us a try of anything we wanted, but she wasn't syrupy sweet.  No matter at all, as I prefer a straight shooter any day, and can't complain in this department.

Costs are expensive but worth it for the high quality of ice cream you get at $3.75 for a small scoop.

3 refreshing Mmmms

What's the Scoop? - 3540 North Williams Avenue, Portland OR 97228
971.266.1787
whatsthescooppdx.com

Sloan’s Ice Cream with a Hint of Nostalgia on Top

After my week in Miami at Art Basel, I was off to Boca Raton to spend time with my family. Since we now live in Portland, I haven’t seen them in a while so it was nice to reconnect. Exploring Mizner Park during our visit, a popular shopping and dining destination in Boca, we happened to find Sloan’s, a cool nostalgic ice cream shop that more than satisfied our sweet tooth.

Atmosphere:
Color overload are words I think of when recalling the atmosphere at Sloan’s. Most striking are the colorful chandeliers that hang from the ceiling and due to their bright nature, they almost look to be made of candy.

The shop was quite busy on a Saturday night and there was a wait for the ice cream, but that’s all part of the fun, as you get to take in your surroundings. One of the most unique elements of the shop’s décor is a moving toy train that literally runs through a clear tunnel lining the ice cream display. Kids and adults both loved to watch it go, and it made our wait go that much quicker.

Ice Cream:
There’s a dozen varieties of homemade ice creams available – from the very simple single flavors such as raspberry, chocolate and coffee to more funky flavors such as coffee and donuts, Tracy’s Scrumptious Pretzel, Elvis' Favorite and others.

Tracy’s Scrumptious Pretzel – The richness and the sheer complexity of ingredients in this ice cream drew me in. How can I say no to peanut butter, pretzels, caramel and chocolate chunks – impossible! I loved its creamy consistency and the little jewels of the aforementioned yummies I just described. The chocolate coated pretzels were my favorite, as they included both salty and sweet elements and that crunch was just perfect against the creaminess of the ice cream.

Raspberry – My mom ordered a plain raspberry ice cream and its freshness and flavor really surprised me. Including little chunks of raspberries, this tasted like the real thing and contained a fine balance of tartness and sweetness. Going by the loveliness of this flavor, I’d think the strawberry would also be a nice choice.

Service and Cost:
Despite it being super busy in the shop, the line moved along quickly and we were helped by two very nice ladies who scooped our ice cream generously. The staff seems to have the customer service thing down, so don’t let the crowds deter you.

Costs are expensive but to be expected at Mizner Park, which is a premium place to shop and dine. Our two small ice creams in a cup set us back about $10.50 in total, which was money well spent in my opinion.

3 Mmmms

Sloan’s – 329 Plaza Real, Boca Raton FL 33432
561.338.9887
sloansicecream.com

Odd Fellows Ice Cream - Unstrangely Delicious

Last Thursday eve, Dan and I had an early birthday celebration for me (just the two of us), and it was perfect.  Starting things off at The Brindle Room in the East Village, we ended our eating adventure with ice cream at the new Odd Fellows Manhattan locale.  Not only did it not disappoint, it left a lasting impression and a curiosity to try other interesting flavors.

Atmosphere:
Set amongst lots of other amazing East Village eateries, Odd Fellows fits right in with the chilled out, experimental vibe of this neighborhood.  While the location is on the small side, equivalent to something like the new Momofuku Milk Bar (also in the East Village), it has a lot to offer to ravenous New Yorkers.  

A friendly looking bench welcomes you even before you come in, and you'll find a few people out there lingering and enjoying their freshly scooped ice cream.  The inside is intimate and a little narrow, but overall feels cozy and welcoming with a high counter that you can hover around and place your ice cream on, as you get ready to devour.

Ice Cream:
I like that there's only 8 flavors to choose from each day and they're all freshly made.  Although I expected the flavors to be unusual and funky, Thursday's offering seemed a bit standard with things like Tahitian vanilla, s'mores, chocolate chip caramel and the like.  This was A-OK with me, as I quickly chose my poison and wasn't disappointed.

Milk Chocolate Coconut & S'mores - Going all out with two scoops, I first tasted the s'mores, which was anything but an ordinary vanilla, graham crackers and chocolate.  Certainly more of the chocolate persuasion, the s'mores tasted smoky (almost baconey) and truly reminded me of roasting s'mores by the campfire.  The milk chocolate, coconut flavor which sat at the bottom of my cup was delightful as well and super creamy.  My favorite aspects were the little pieces of coconut flecks that bejeweled this generous scoop.

Chocolate Chunk with Caramel - Although it didn't sound overly exciting, I have to say that Dan's ice cream scoop, which sat on a homemade sugar cone was a total standout.  The chocolate part was rich and slightly bitter, which was awesome, while the caramel ribbons shone through sporadically--pleasantly surprising your tastebuds with silky butteriness.

Service and Cost:
Two young ladies worked the ice cream counter and they were pretty friendly.  Not overly so, but nice enough for sure - reminding me of my early days as an ice cream girl at Baskin Robbins.

Costs are pretty standard at $4 for a single scoop or $5.25 for a double.  Luckily, I was able to use my Blackboard Eats coupon, which saved us around $3 off our total bill, which is awesome. 

3 Mmmms

Odd Fellows Ice Cream - 75 East 4th Street, New York NY 10003
917.475.1812
6 Train to Astor Place
oddfellowsnyc.com

Loving the Ice Cream Sammies at BareBurger

Hearing about the recent addition of Coolhaus ice cream sammies at BareBurger, I was eager to try them out – especially since I haven’t had a Coolhaus treat in so long!  Dan and I went in today on the fly and watched a little of the World Cup – Dan getting a beer while I had my eye on the prize, the ice cream.

Bacon Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sammy – When I first heard they had this on the menu, I didn’t think about anything else and immediately declared my sammie of choice.  Our server praised me for this selection and in just a few minutes brought out a large, luscious ice cream sandwich with a side of maple caramel sauce.  We had them split this baby in half, as you can see how large it was.  Each bite was heavenly, and had just the right concentration and essence of bacon – while it wasn’t overpowering, the flavor was just enough to get you thinking about it and to relish in the smokiness.  The caramel sauce too was a thing of beauty, reminding us of something you’d have while camping with friends.  

Service and Cost:

We experienced great service, which isn’t out of the ordinary here.  The BareBurger staff has a great thing going in terms of their overall team dynamic, including a nice rapport with customers. I liked the relaxed vibe of the afternoon, which is pretty rare for BareBurger, and we hung around for a little while watching a bit of the Colombia/Costa Rica game. 

Each ice cream sammie will set you back $7, which is totally worth it, especially if you split it with a friend.  Be prepared to lick your fingers clean!

3 Mmmms

BareBurger (31st Avenue) - 33-21 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.777.7011
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.bareburger.com23-01 31st Street, Astoria NY 11105

718.204.7167
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd
bareburger.com

Happy 5th Birthday BareBurger!

I can hardly believe that our very own BareBurger has been around for 5 years! What started as a small indie burger joint on 31st Avenue and 34th street is now a national burger empire.  It's exciting to celebrate BareBurger in all its glory at the location that started it all exactly 5 years from this coming Thursday.  In honor of this milestone, BareBurger will be giving out free Coolhaus ice cream sammies, which are relatively new to their menu.  Here's the deal for those of you who will be stopping in.

Thursday, June 12th 
Free ice cream sammies (one per person)

Flavors offered:
Peanut butter with double chocolate chip
Dirty mint with double chocolate chip

BareBurger (31st Avenue) - 33-21 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.777.7011
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.bareburger.com

Azucar - Ice Cream with Cuban Flair

During my Miami adventures last week, we happened to stop in Little Havana right on Calle Ocho for some authentic homemade Cuban ice cream.  Azucar, the scene of this delicious crime is a lovely little shop, which feels as if it's been a part of the community for many years, but in truth is actually quite new, opening its doors in 2011.  Dan, my mother-in-law Vicki and I popped in after our Wynwood adventures last week for a sweet adieu.

Atmosphere:
Located in the heart of Little Havana, Azucar is hard to miss, boasting a fun, colorful exterior with heaping scoops of ice cream. It almost looks like some kind of Gaudi structure, being that it's larger than life and a little cheeky.

The interior vibe continues the whimsy theme, as its adorned with colorful artwork and photographs that embody rich Cuban culture as well as the simple and joyful act of eating delicious ice cream.  I especially loved the collage of messy ice cream photographs you see above.  While the shop is small, there's enough seating to hang around and enjoy your ice cream, which is what we did when we made ourselves comfortable on the rounded bench at the front of the shop.

Ice Cream:
With over 40 different flavors to choose from, ordering an ice cream is no easy feat but it sure is fun!  I first did a once over at the display counter and asked to try a few intriguing flavors.  After a few bites of deliciousness, I chose their signature Abuela Maria ice cream as well as the Mantecado.  I wasn't disappointed in the least.

Abuela Maria - Azucar's signature flavor that pays homage to the owner's dear abuela was my absolute favorite.  Incorporating sweet chunks of guava, tangy cream cheese ice cream and crumbly bits of Cuban biscuits (galletas), it was like a fun celebration in your mouth.  I loved the sweet guava sauce that was drizzled on top that gave it Latin panache.

Mantecado - Despite its exotic name, the Mantecado ice cream was pretty basic and clean, but that's exactly what I loved about it.  Made of simple vanilla ice cream with a dash of nutmeg, it defied the meaning of "ordinary vanilla."

Apple Pie - Although I usually love fruit based ice cream, I wasn't impressed with this one and found it to be too sweet.  I'd suggest going with their Cuban flavors instead, as they're a lot more interesting and refined.

Service and Cost:
We enjoyed great service and appreciated the patient staff who was happy to explain all the different flavors to us and even offered us a few free samples.  I was reassured when I found out that I chose some of the house favorites, and trusted the expertise of our server.

Costs are moderate at about $4.50 per scoop but are worth every penny, given its uniqueness and high quality.

3 Drippy Mmmms

Azucar - 1503 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135
305.381.0369
azucaricecream.com

West Coast Ice Cream Adventure - Salt & Straw + Molly Moon's

While working on the West Coast last week, I ended my weekend visiting friends, Moses and Sonya who live in Portland.  One of my favorite cities, which I'm quickly falling more and more in love with, Portland offers some of the most amazing food I've had in the country.  What I love about it so much is that the overall food standard is super high, making it really tough to get bad grub virtually anywhere.

Even though it's getting colder, I had a great time experimenting with ice cream - not only in Portland but also in Seattle.  I thought it'd be fun to do a little comparison here, offering you the best of both cities in terms of non-traditional, delicious ice cream flavors.  Let's start with Portland...

Salt & Straw:
I first heard about this place from Meg, when she mentioned they had a pumpkin custard and spiced chevre flavored ice cream.  Loving pumpkin flavored anything, the thought of pairing it with a hearty chevre made my tastebuds tingle.  When I told my friends I wanted to try it, they were happy to oblige, Sonya already confirming it was really good.  

Atmosphere:
Located in the hip NE Alberta St. neighborhood, Salt & Straw is a popular hang out, as we noticed a lot of folks hanging out inside and outside of its spacious locale.  The storefront is bright and cheery, with natural furnishings, such as a reclaimed wood counter with high stools that enables you to do some proper people watching. 

In addition to the busy ice cream counter, there's a little shop section where you peruse quaint little goodies such as Salt & Straw t-shirts, mugs, and other local wares.  Even though it's a great place to visit with your little ones, it also exemplifies a sophisticated, grown-up vibe that's very appealing.

Ice Cream:
Deciding on a flavor of choice here is no easy feat, as there are so many unusual mashups.  Salt & Straw specializes in non-traditional ice cream combos, which are both sweet and savory, and I loved that a lot of them combined cheese with fruit.  This is exactly the route I took when choosing my flavors, which ended up being apple pie filling with sharp cheddar cheese, as well as a pear with blue cheese.

Out of those two, which were both very fall-like, the apple pie/cheddar was my favorite.  Incorporating real apple chunks and little bits of pie crust too, it paired nicely with the more savory yet subtle essence of cheddar.  The pear and blue cheese was nice too, but I would've preferred a chunkier rendition of the pear, while I did enjoy the little creamy bites of blue cheese that provided little bursts of tang.

Service and Cost:
The staff at Salt & Straw were great - cheery, approachable and friendly, they allowed you to try any flavor you liked without judgement or expectation.  Even though the store was busy, everyone seemed to be in a good mood, spreading the delight of ice cream to all its visitors.

Costs are expensive, but so worth it for this unique rendition of a nostalgic sweet.  An ice cream cone, a cup of ice cream and two mini cookies set us back about $13 total.

3 Salty & Savory Mmmms

Salt & Straw - 2035 NE Alberta, Portland OR 97211
503.208.3867
saltandstraw.com 

Molly Moon's:
Once again, Meg didn't steer me wrong, as she spoke highly of this Seattle based ice cream shop.  My co-workers reaffirmed her recommendation, and mentioned there was a location in Capitol Hill, about a mile away from where I was staying.  "Enough said," I thought, as I headed there one night after work, preparing to devour their signature, salted caramel flavor and other intriguing delights.

Atmosphere:
Located in the trendy Capitol Hill neighborhood in Seattle, Molly Moon's is situated on East Pine Street, which is one of the main tributaries in this neighborhood.  Surrounded by lots of interesting restaurants, and shops, including the well known Elliott Bay Book Company, it's a lovely place to visit and to get lost in.

Similar to Salt & Straw, Molly Moon's boasts a pretty interior with a sky blue and chocolate brown color scheme.  There's plenty of seating inside, and you'll find lots of adults (and kids) chillaxin' with their treats, showcasing this place as a popular neighborhood meeting place.  I appreciated that it's open late, allowing for a more grown up crowd to gather there in the evenings.

Ice Cream:
I couldn't walk out of here without having a dose of their salted caramel ice cream, which I chose to juxtapose with the black pepper creme fraiche flavor.  The former totally stood out as the clear favorite, boasting a toasty sweetness with a little hint of savory in the aftertaste.  The savory kept me coming back for more, reaching deeper into my cup.

While I really wanted to love the black pepper creme fraiche flavor, which sounded exotic, it fell flat and was unfortunately a little bland.  Expecting a bite of flavor and spiciness from the pepper, it was surprisingly muted and unremarkable.

Service and Cost:
Just like at Salt & Straw, my server was hospitable and patient, as he gave me a few generous tastings of anything I asked for.  I think he was pretty generous with my final helping, which was both a blessing and curse (sorry waist, sorry butt).

Costs are pretty fair for really excellent, gourmet, and local ice cream.  A large, two scooper portion set me back only $5.40.

3 Mmmms

Molly Moon's - 917 E. Pine Street, Seattle WA 98122
206.708.7947
www.mollymoonicecream.com 

Welcome Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich – Oh How I Love Thee

As you know, I’m always intrigued by the latest local foodie craze, the cronut being one prime example. But aside from this dessert sensation, there are other such creative eats that are keeping me up at night such as a macaron ice cream sandwich, I’m about to share with you.

I found out about the Macaron ice cream sandwich last week through my daily Scoutmob newsletter and it tickled my sweet tooth craving. For those of you who know me, can vouch for my insatiable sweet tooth in general and for my strong penchant for French macarons. Last winter, I even ventured out on an NYC macaron crawl to taste the best this city has to offer.

The idea behind the innovative macaron ice cream sandwich comes from the folks at Francois Payard Bakery, one of the first stops in fact, in my aforementioned macaron crawl adventure. Situated in the West Village, I scoped it out last week with my co-worker, Sarah.

About Francois Payard:
Known for exquisite French bread and pastries, Francois Payard is a trusty baked good staple, located on Houston Street, just East of 6th Avenue. The bakery itself is quite large and inviting, and serves as a comfortable meeting place for a small or large group of friends, or for an impromptu meeting with a co-worker, as in my case.

There’s a large colorful display up front of all the pastries, their macaron selection being front and center. I was happy to see that the macaron ice cream sandwiches advertised on the premises, assuring us we were in the right place, and giving us hope that they were still available.

Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich – A few varieties made up the macaron ice cream sandwich offering including strawberry cheesecake, coconut mango, chocolate on chocolate with cocoa nibs, and their most popular flavor, the pistachio raspberry. I was debating between that and the coconut mango, but when I asked for a staff recommendation, they pointed me to the former right away, so I went for it.

The sandwiches came wrapped in clear cellophane, adorned with a pretty sticker that displayed its unique flavor. I loved that they were super cold; helping to break the heat we were feeling from walking outside.

Once we unwrapped our treats and took a bite, I was in heaven. Loving the subtle pistachio flavor of the meringue cookie, and the way it hugged the raspberry vanilla ice cream, this was truly a different kind of ice cream sandwich. The ice cream itself was made of really good quality ingredients, which didn’t give me a tummy ache, as some rich desserts do, and once the meringue cooled down a bit, it was pleasantly chewy and even more delicious.

Service and Cost:
The staff at Francois Payard took care of us, but nothing was so out of the ordinary stellar that I feel inclined to highlight. I’d say that it’s your standard order-at-the-counter experience – however without all the crazy lines that can be found at some other neighboring bakeries that shall not be named :)

We paid $5 for each ice cream sandwich, which I think offers decent value, considering its generous size. If you’re looking for just a little sweet bite to tide you over, I’d even recommend splitting one with a friend.

3 Mmmms

Francois Payard Bakery – 116 West Houston Street, New York, NY 10012
212.995.0888
1 Train to Houston Street
www.payard.com

Jahn's - Classic Ice Cream Sundaes Never Go Out Of Style

Last week, Meg, Dayna, a new friend, Dalena and I met in Jackson Heights to try out Alchemy Texas BBQ, which I'll tell you about later this week.  But first thing's first - dessert!  We stopped in at Jahn's for classic ice cream sundaes after the hearty BBQ grub.  It was the perfect end to this lovely food outing, and I just can't stop thinking about how much I enjoyed it.  For those of you who love classic ice cream desserts in a nostalgic atmosphere, Jahn's is for you.

Atmosphere:
Being a staple in the neighborhood for more than 60 years now, Jahn's is more than just a family restaurant, it's an institution.  Transforming you back in time, if you appreciate the good old, you'll love the classic booth seating, ball lighting, dark wooden panel decor and just plain retro style.  There's a counter up front where you pay for your bill, just like in old fashioned diners.  

We loved it all and immediately felt at home , nestling into our booth and perusing the extensive back of the menu that's purely dedicated to ice cream.  This is exactly the reason we came.

Ice Cream:
Having to choose between the myriad of ice cream sundae choices at Jahn's wasn't easy but we clearly managed.  Besides having your classic flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, mint chip, and cookies & cream, they also have plenty of specialty sundaes that they call Tummy Ticklers.  How cute!  I also couldn't help noticing the mother of all sundaes, which is the Kitchen Sink - serving about 8-10 people and coming in at a whopping $51.95.  Yep, you read that right!

Classic Sundae - Even though the fancy stuff looked great, I opted for something simple and timeless, which was their pistachio sundae with hot fudge and whipped cream.  It was perfection in every way, as the ice cream contained chunks of actual pistachio and almond too.  The ice cream to hot fudge ratio was quite perfect and the fresh whipped cream was as light as air.  Even though some folks aren't so into maraschino cherries, I kind of like them and devoured mine in one quick bite.  As you see, the portion was quite large, but so delicious that I managed to eat it all.

Apple Pie Sundae - Dayna went for this decadent dessert, which contained big pieces of apples on top, reminding me of pie filling. Actually, I think that's exactly what it was. Another sweet success, we all took turns at trying it and really enjoyed the saucy topping and how it paired perfectly with the rich chocolate chip ice cream. 

Service and Cost:
The old fashioned service at Jahn's is part of its charm, and even though everything here is no frills, it just feels friendly and wonderful.  Our waiter was helpful and really lax about leaving us to just chat after finishing our ice cream - I felt right at home.

Costs are wallet friendly and include anywhere from $3.15 to $8.95 for ice cream.  Definitely not bank breaking!

3 Sweet Mmmms

Jahn's - 81-04 37th Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
718.651.0700
7 Train to 82nd Street

3 Delicious Spring Treats

Image by Brooklyn Bagel

Now that it officially feels like spring, and boy did we need it, everyone is up and about, roaming the nabe.  I love seeing everyone looking all chipper and happy, and it goes without saying that we're now in the mood for refreshing, cold treats.  In honor of spring, I wanted to give you just that - three delicious, cool treats you can enjoy on a warm sunny day.

Cold brewed iced coffee - With so many places to get a flavorful cup of iced coffee, there are a few that stand out to me, including Brooklyn Bagel, Avenue Cafe and The Queens Kickshaw of course.  Take one to go while walking to the subway or enjoy one while sitting down at a sidewalk cafe (Avenue Cafe would be great for that!).  

Gelato or ice cream - If you're looking for a cool, delicious little something, there's nothing like homemade gelato in the nabe.  My personal favorite is the pistachio from La Guli, followed by the hazelnut from Martha's or my new personal favorite, the We Heart Astoria Baklava ice cream from Malu in LIC.  

Healthy smoothie - There's nothing like a refreshing, healthy juice or smoothie to get your day started right, and there are a few places in Astoria you can get one.  Your Healthy Kitchen on 30th Avenue and 44th street will make virtually any juice you like.  Meg, Mackenzi and I tried an amazing concoction with beets, spinach, ginger, carrots and other delicious ingredients, which made this drink really satisfying.  Other good smoothie options include Pita Pan and Create Astoria.

Celebrate Spring with Ice Cream

I can't quite believe that tomorrow is the first day of spring, as it sure doesn't feel like it.  But to remind us of the warmth that will soon be coming (we hope!) why not ring it in with something, fun, sweet and uplifting - like ice cream, of course.  I love that Malu is getting in the spirit and offering a first day of spring special.  You're not going to want to miss out - and especially if you want to bring your kiddies along.

Wednesday, March 20th - enjoy a buy one get one free ice cream (of equal or lesser value), including scoops, pints and quarts.  They're also featuring an art class for kids at 4 p.m. so bring your little ones along, especially if they'd enjoy painting and molding.  It'll keep them occupied and their tummies satisfied.

Malu - 12-09 Jackson Avenue, LIC NY 11101
718.729.6258
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.amomandpopshop.com

Malu's 1 Year Celebration Marks the Start of Summer

I really can't believe it's been a year already since Malu, the awesome artisan ice cream shop in LIC has opened its doors.  They've made such an impact on the neighborhood that it seems like they've been there for years.  Well, they are just one year young and will of course celebrate that, along with the coming of the Summer Solstice.  Here's what you can expect tomorrow:

If you come in between the hours of 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. get a buy one get one free ice cream.  Choose from their many dynamic flavors, many of which are influenced by local businesses such as:

Floresta's Lavender Macarpone
Communitea's Black Chai
Perfectly Planned Peanut Butter Perfection
Cinnamon Ken
Blue Sky Basin
Chocolate Orange Hazelnut

And lots of special daily flavors too.  Stop by tomorrow and try a few of them!
Happy Birthday Malu - congrats on making it through your first year.

Malu - 12-09 Jackson Avenue, LIC NY 11101
718.729.6258
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.amomandpopshop.com

Ice Cream Sandwiches for Dad

Since I just wrote about ice cream the other day, I think it inspired me to do something with it for Father's Day, as it was fresh in my mind.  Given my love for chocolate, I was inspired to make homemade ice cream sandwiches, using rich brownies as the sandwich part and good ol' fashioned vanilla (with chocolate and peanut) ice cream as its interior.  

The whole process was pretty easy and painless, the brownies taking only about 15 minutes to assemble and then about 12 minutes to bake.  A tricky aspect of this dessert, as you can tell by my messy pictures is cutting the brownies properly, after the ice cream froze inside (or so I thought).  Because I picked a softer type of ice cream (Turkey Hill Tin Roof Sunday), it had a hard time staying in the sandwich, and I think I got a little too excited, and took it out too early.  It's currently resting and solidifying in the freezer, and I hope the end result will be fabulous.

You can make your own by using your favorite brownie recipe and then stuffing the inside with your favorite ice cream, or you can follow this simple recipe from Everyday Food.  

Brownie-Ice Cream Sandwich:

Ingredients:
1 stick unsalted butter, melted plus more for pan
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp fine salt
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
2 pints ice cream, softened

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter a 10 x 15 inch jelly-roll pan.  Line with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang on short sides, then butter paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together butter and sugar, then whisk in eggs and salt.  Add flour and cocoa and mix until just smooth.  Spread in pan.  Bake until brownie is dry to the touch and edges have begun to pull away from the pan, 10-12 minutes.  Let cool 5 minutes.  Using paper overhang, transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

Transfer brownie to a work surface and cut in half crosswide.  Cover pan with a large sheet of plastic wrap and place one cake half on it.  Spread with ice cream, invert remaining brownie half on top, and wrap tightly in plastic.  Freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

Unwrap, cut into 12 pieces, and serve.  

Malu Treats Dad and Kids to Something Sweet

LIC's delicious artisanal ice cream shop, Malu never ceases to impress me.  It's also really great because they're super family oriented and on any given weekend, weekday or when have you, there's always loads of cute little kids enjoying their ice cream in Malu's colorful and creative atmosphere.  In their true spirit of family, they're doing something special this Saturday for the kiddies in honor of Father's Day.  If you have a little one or are just curious to check out this event, have a look:

Cookie Decorating Class with (or for) Dad
Saturday, June 16th from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Participants will get to decorate 2 sugar cookies and get a scoop of ice cream for just $10 (all supplies are provided)

And while you're there, make sure to check out their newest flavor, Shiraz Rocky Road, born out of the contest run by the Chocolate Theater for the Taste of LIC 2012.

Malu - 12-09 Jackson Avenue, LIC NY 11101
718.729.6258
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.amomandpopshop.com

Malu is Chock-Full-of Fun Events

Malu, LIC's proud "mom and pop shop," as they call themselves is heating up.  Sure they sell cool treats that are delicious all year round, but besides that, they do a great job at connecting with the community through their various events.  3 in particular are going on this week.  I hope you get to stop by for at least one and enjoy:

Wednesday, November 30th - Come by for a chocolate tasting from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Malu is known for their chocolate dips, in which they submerge all your favorite nostalgic foods into rich chocolate (think chocolate covered corn flakes, rice crispies, Swedish fish and more)

Thursday, December 1st and Saturday December 3rd - 4 p.m. story time for the kids.  Bring your little ones and enjoy some time off while they stay quiet and listen to an enchanting story (followed by a treat if you so choose).

Saturday also marks the debut of their holiday gift show, which features local artists and craftsmen, showcasing some of the most creative local products.  It's a good way to prepare yourselves for the holidays and get your loved ones some lovely food gifts.

Malu - 12-09 Jackson Avenue, LIC NY 11101
718.729.6258
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.amomandpopshop.com

Malu is Chock Full of Fun This Week

Malu, LIC's divinely awesome ice cream shop sure has a full roster of delicious activities this week.  I was impressed by how much they do for kids, looping in one of my favorite Astoria residents and food educators, Robert McMinn (aka Bucky Buckaw) who raises backyard chickens (in his Astoria apartment actually) and educates people about locally based economies.  In other words, pretty important and fascinating stuff.  So whether you bring your kiddies to enjoy some ice cream and a good story, or if you go on your own, I think you'll enjoy these activities:

Thursday - Story time for the kids, starting at 4 p.m.

Saturday - Malu Haunted Halloween awards you a free topping if you show up in costume, 3:30 join Bucky Buckaw for some quality live chicken time (fabulous for kids and adults too!)

Sunday - Cookie decorating for the kids (3:00 - 3:30 p.m., 3:45 - 4:15, 4:30 - 5:00 p.m.)  The activity will set you back $10 to decorate 2 cookies, and get a kids scoop of ice cream to go with it.

Malu - 12-09 Jackson Avenue, LIC NY 11101
718.729.6258
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.amomandpopshop.com

Malu – Putting the Spice into Ice Cream

Malu - 12-09 Jackson Avenue, LIC NY 11101
718.729.6258
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.amomandpopshop.com

After first noticing Malu Ice Cream at this year’s Taste of LIC, I was eager to check out this new sweet spot. Since its opening back in June, it received some nice reception from the LIC and Astoria community and it seems like a welcome addition to the nabe.

Made with top-notch quality ingredients, Malu prides itself in producing a simple, nostalgic sweet treat. Additionally to its many flavors that change daily, they also have other yummy nosh such as chocolate covered cereal, gummy bears, and other candies. I went in casually one night this week and got myself some ice cream. To make a long story short, I’ll definitely be back. Here’s why…

Atmosphere:
Located on Jackson Avenue, right next to the Little Oven and a nearby sports bar, Malu is nicely situated to enjoy some good foot traffic. Its friendly storefront has an inviting bench outside where you can sit and devour their delicious ice cream, and I noticed someone hanging out there with their dogs.

Once you step inside, the cheeriness continues – the exposed brick walls and colorful embellishments make Malu wonderfully pleasant and a welcome place to sit and hang your hat. I noticed it’s very kid friendly, the shopkeepers even displaying colorful kid art on the walls, which I thought was a sweet touch.

Ice Cream:
There are plenty of varieties of both ice cream and sorbet right as you come in. From classic fruit flavors to interesting ice cream blends, the selection is anything but boring. I chose a small cup with two scoops of ice cream – blueberry graham crunch and Jose’s chocolate picante. The former I tried in advance, a friendly Malu clerk offering me a spoonful of it in a real spoon (none of that plastic stuff). I thought this was a nice gesture that made the experience more authentic.

Blueberry Graham Crunch & Jose’s Chocolate Picante – I loved the combination of these two flavors. The blueberry tasted wonderfully tangy and was made with real blueberries. The graham crackers that were spiced with cinnamon added a smoky element, which upped the flavor quotient.

The spicy chocolate scoop was something else. Made with dark chocolate, it wasn’t too sweet but still tasted luxurious, while the heat from the chili made your throat tickle. It had such an interesting kick, producing something very unique. Not sure if I would’ve loved it on its own, but paired with a more traditional flavor like the blueberry, it was a fantastic combo.

Service & Cost:
Malu’s service was excellent – friendly, accommodating and completely hospitable. In my ice cream intoxication, I even forgot to pay for my order, the clerk later making a joke out of it and not making me feel the least bit foolish. I think I was so excited to eat it, that I couldn’t possibly think of anything else.

Costs are moderate and absolutely worth it for the good quality you’re getting. My two scoops set me back $4 even, which I thought was more than fair.

3 Mmmms