Recently in Desserts Category

A couple months ago 16 Handles frozen yogurt opened its first Upper East Side store at 1569 2nd Avenue between 81st and 82nd Streets I was SO excited because I love Pinkberry (on the same block) but get frustrated by the super slow and dim-witted service there.  16 Handles is great because you get to make your own, and combine as many flavors as you like.  They also have a huge topping bar, that is also self service.  Nearly all of the flavors are non-fat.  The only wait can be for the topping line and to pay sometimes, but so far, I guess since it's Winter, it hasn't been that bad.



The flavors are great - 16 of them - but I only like the "tart" flavors which limits me to about 4.  They had been Original Tart, Euro Tart, Pomegranate and Pina Colada.  Last night when I went in, they had swiched out Pomegranate and Pina Colada for Green Tea and Apple.  I was ecstatic to see the Green Tea... and it is FABULOUS!
I love it so much, I actually have this for dinner sometimes... you know, dessert as dinner, and a hot tea for dessert (to help warm up).  I'm afraid come warm weather time the secret will be out and it will be a madhouse!

It's 93 degrees in NYC today, and it feels even hotter with the humidity.  A nice frozen treat would hit the spot.

Here's where to get primo gelato in NYC and Philadelphia!

Il Laboratorio del Gelato (95 Orchard Street between Broome and Delancey, NYC) Amazing list of flavors including all the classics as well as some crazy ones like Wasabi, Basil and Tarragon Pink Pepper!



Ciao Bella (4 locations in NYC)  This brand is also sold in grocery stores, but they don't sell them the best flavors, you have to go to a scoop shop to get the best, like my favorite, cinnamon.  Other flavors include Matcha Green Tea, Asian Ginger, Italian Caramel.



Capogiro (4 locations in Philadelphia)  Unique flavors daily like Fior de Latte, Canella, Mexican Coffee, Sea Salt...  You can also order online, $60 + shipping for 6 pints shipped on dry ice.

Great news for those of us who are sorely missing Payard on the Upper East Side.... Francois Payard will be opening Payard Bakery at 116 West Houston Street.  It is scheduled to open in the late Summer.  Here is a rendering:



It will offer take-out and a casual dining room.  I used to stop by the Upper East Side bistro/restaurant to buy macaroons once in a while... oh, I miss those!!!  They are so good it will be worth a trip downtown!
 

The Haagen-Dazs® brand is celebrating a milestone birthday − and you're invited to share in the fun as we all sing for ice cream.  On Tuesday, May 18, 2010, Haagen-Dazs will celebrate 50 years as the first super premium ice cream with its annual Free Flavor Day.  From 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in any participating Haagen-Dazs Shop across the country, ice cream lovers can wish the brand a "Happy Birthday" and enjoy a free scoop of one of three original all-natural ice cream flavors: Haagen-Dazs Chocolate, Coffee or Vanilla. 

"This is a huge milestone for us, and we're thrilled to be celebrating our 50th birthday with our loyal fans," said Haagen-Dazs Shops brand manager Julie Fleigle.  "Free Flavor Day gives us an opportunity to give back to our dedicated supporters who have made us the successful ice cream brand we are today."  

Haagen-Dazs ice cream reflects decades of passion and creativity that began in the early 1920s when Reuben Mattus, a young entrepreneur with a passion for quality and a vision for creating the finest ice cream, sold fruit ice and ice cream pops from a horse-drawn wagon on the bustling streets of New York. The Haagen-Dazs brand officially launched in 1960 with three classic all-natural ice cream flavors - Chocolate, Coffee and Vanilla - still popular favorites today.  At first, Haagen-Dazs was only available in container packages at gourmet shops in New York City, but soon distribution expanded throughout the East Coast.  By 1973, Haagen-Dazs products were enjoyed by discerning customers across the United States. In 1976, Mr. Mattus' daughter, Doris, opened the first Haagen-Dazs Scoop Shop in Brooklyn, New York. It was an immediate success, and its popularity led to a rapid expansion of shops across the country.

To find a nearby Haagen-Dazs Shop where you can participate in the Free Flavor Day festivities, visit the Shops locator on www.haagendazs.com.

Yay for us pumpkin lovers, Red Mango has introduced Pumpkin Spice for Fall.

It's a pumpkin and cinnamon flavor, all natural with 90 calories per 1/2 cup.  It will be available through Dec. 31st.  Click here for their store finder!

I LOVE frozen treats.  We're lucky that here in Manhattan we have Pinkberry, Tasti D Lite, The Light Choice, etc...  Well, here's a new one to eat at home:  Yovation Vanilla Honey Granola Frozen Yogurt.  It's a very tasty vanilla with granola bits in it. It contains live yogurt cultures and a probiotic culture that helps with digestive health. 

 

You can find it at Wegmans stores in NJ.  Unfortunately I can't find it in Manhattan.  You can order it online, oddly enough... the $95 price for 5 1 quart containers includes shipping, dry ice and foam cooler.  I would be nervous about getting a frozen item shipped to me, but if they offer it, it must work.