Van Leeuwen

I was checking out the shopping around the Soho region when I came across a slightly unusual looking truck selling ‘artisan’ ice cream. Now artisan is one of those annoying words whose meaning has become massively diluted in the food industry. Artisan automatically gives the impression that more care and attention has gone into its production than all that other stuff that hasn’t been artisanally produced. It also allows people to charge silly buggers for something, because after all, the labour has been more intensive. Heck, artisan is everywhere these days, not just in food, you can even get  artisanal pencil sharpening for a very reasonable $15! Yup that’s right, $15 for someone else to perfectly sharpen your pencil, when your wrists just aren’t good enough. Nevertheless, despite all this, the marketing worked and I felt compelled to give Van Leeuwen a try.

The van

First of all I was impressed by the unusual choice of flavours that made it difficult to choose, always a good start. I went for a scoop of tarragon, scoop of lemongrass and one of nectarine. Lemongrass was pleasant, if not slightly subtle whilst the nectarine was very tasty and had plenty of juicy chunks within. My favourite was the flavoursome tarragon. The texture for all was smooth and creamy. Fortunately Van Leeuwen lived up to its marketing and these were certainly some luxurious ice creams where care has been taken to source ingredients and throughout the ice cream making process. Artisan indeed. It also turns out they have several vans around Manhattan and 3 stores (2 in Brooklyn and 1 in Manhattan) where they also serve coffee and pastries.

Tarragon ice cream

Price: Unfortunately I forgot to note down the price but it was a couple dollars a scoop along those lines

Where to go before/next: Unfortunately I never had to opportunity to do so, but Keith McNally's highly reputed eatery Balthazar is nearby on the corner of Spring Street & Crosby Street. Then check out the numerous galleries in the area such as the Drawing Center on Wooster street.

Website: Click here

Location: Usually on the corner of Prince & Greene street. They also have 3 stores, one in East Village and 2 in Brooklyn. See their website for details.

Nearest Subway: Prince St

Opening Times: Weekends 12.00 - 18.00