My search for the best ice cream in New York continues ….
It frustrates me when I order a scoop of ice cream and after a few licks, it begins to lose its flavor. It may taste like mint on the first few samples, but soon it gives way to the cold and only tastes of cream and sugar (not bad flavors, to be sure). It’s not dissimilar to how bubble gum’s flavor soon flattens out. I want the flavor of my ice cream to last from first lick to last.
I have considered that maybe my tastebuds numb to the cold, but I don’t believe it. I blame it more on ice cream makers who aren’t aggressive (or authentic) enough with their flavors. A heavy hand and real fruits or herbs (as opposed to liquid flavorings) can go a long way.
One thing I can say about Davey’s Ice Cream, the colorful factory in the East Village, is that the flavors really last.
The ice cream here is clearly homemade (you can even view the machines) and the shop has an old-fashioned feel to it. The creations are a bit more creative than you’d expect – with some combinations like Brunch (french toast, bacon, maple syrup) right next to your more traditional Cookies n Cream and Mexican Vanilla.
I was quite impressed with all the flavors I tasted. The aforementioned cookies n cream was one of the best I had sampled in quite a while and the peppermint chip was rich and full of that fresh herby mint flavor.
The two scoops we settled on were fantastic, although the base itself was a little chewy. I do expect more creamy smoothness from “ultra-premium”. But I’m okay sacrificing a little texture for an all night flavor party.
Both flavors were as advertised – the strong coffee was intense with bits of coffee grinds in the mix for texture. It was sweet and bitter and risky to eat too late at night.
The roasted pistachio actually tasted like the nut rather than some sweet syrupy green flavoring. It’s rare that you find pistachio ice cream like that in this country.
Davey’s has a little work to do on texture, but their flavors are spot-on and last through your entire ice cream experience.
Is Davey’s the best ice cream in New York? The ice cream does get a little chewy, but the flavors are bold and true earning them an 8 out of 10.
| DAVEY’S |
| 137 First Avenue (between St. Marks Place and East 9th Street), East Village (212) 228-8032 |
| daveysicecream.com |
