AlwaysPartying: National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day

Katie Reisert — July 01, 2009

Left: Ginger and Red Bean. Center: Peanut Butter & Jelly, Merlot and Grass. Right: Basil.

Happy National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day! From Momofuku Milk Bar & Bakery’s Rosemary soft serve and Il Labratorio del Gelato’s Thai Chili Chocolate, to The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory’s Wasabi and Shake Shack’s Coffee and Donuts frozen custard, tons of creative ice cream flavors are being churned out in the city. To celebrate, we sought out some.

 

Il Laboratorio del Gelato, clockwise: Basil, Rose Petal, and Olive Oil

Il Labratorio del Gelato (view map). Tucked away on Orchard Street, Il Laboratorio has no tables, or benches outside. It’s less store than a counter displaying 20 of their 90 flavors. The most exotic flavors available were Basil, Rose Petal and Olive Oil. Basil had a texture reminiscent of creamy pesto and maintained its natural flavor without being bitter. Rose Petal was more fragrance than appropriate gelato flavor. The Olive Oil gelato was the best— subtle, savory undertones and just enough sweetness.

 

Left, Ginger Ice Cream. Right, a scoop of Red Bean Ice Cream on top of Black Sesame.

The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory (view map). The Factory is in the heart of Chinatown, just a short walk from Laboratorio. It also lacks places to sit but does have more exotic flavors. Three of the most unique were: Black Sesame, Red Bean and Ginger. While distinctly different, an overly milky base characterized all three flavors, which also had pieces of the original ingredients mixed in. Black Sesame was very strong and littered with coarse, black seeds. Ginger was instantly recognizable but subdued enough to not leave your tastebuds screaming. Red Bean was equally sweet and savory.

 

Left: Peanut Butter and Jelly, Merlot, and Grass. Right, Beer.

Max and Mina’s, Flushing, Queens (view map). From Manhattan, take the F to Union Turnpike – Kew Gardens or the Long Island Railroad to Kew Gardens, then hail a cab. Every square inch is filled with pictures of celebrity fans and after school every table is with children. The colorful menu changes daily to display 50 to 60 of their 2,000 flavors. Chive Blossom was tasteful without the overpowering aftertaste you’d expect. Merlot had hints of grape and just the right amount of bitterness. Peanut Butter and Jelly, the most mainstream of our sampling, was delicious. Its texture actually resembled peanut butter. Grass was the most bizarre flavor. It was less creamy than the others and had an earthy quality. Max & Mina’s Beer ice cream nailed the carbonated, ale aftertaste.