To eat icecream that is. As November brings about chilly days and pumpkin-flavored everything, the prospect of eating icecream seems unfitting for the launch of this year's biggest commercial holiday(s), (because Christmas is also right around the corner).

That said, say hello and welcome to two of my favorite ice cream places. Granted, they are on opposite coasts, one on the West where I reside and one on the East, where I call my second home. When you're ready to put down that pumpkin-flavored latte, get ready to say hello to my little friends...

1. IcePan. Consider it the revolutionary addendum to the Coldstone craze. At this Southern California joint, the ice cream is literally made to order. Depending on your preference, whole milk, lowfat milk, nonfat milk or soymilk is poured onto a "cold stone" slab, and mixed with your flavor of choice (mango, strawberry, green tea, banana, chocolate, you get the idea). The milk literally congeals and freezes onto the slab, where the flavor and toppings are mixed in to achieve your dream creation. Just beware, some flavor combinations end up tasting like breakfast rather than dessert (think: no- sugar banana soymilk with bananas, strawberries, and walnuts. It is practically breakfast minus the granola). However, the green tea with low-fat milk option is a safer bet. Click here to see how it's made.


2. Australian Homemade. Ever heard about the goats and cows in Australia? Yeah me neither, but apparently the dairy is fresh there and is here, in this NYC ice cream shop in the East Village. I had the good fortune to live next-door to this place for a month, where the ice cream is made fresh, with all natural ingredients, on a daily basis. Although flavors may be simple and uncomplicated, like strawberry, chocolate, banana, etc., they are perhaps the most wholesome, creamy flavors that the palate will experience when it comes to connoisseur ice cream tasting. (That really should be a hobby). That said if you live in NY and are craving a simple, fulfilling treat, visit this place.

Besides, everyone needs a little break from Pinkberry now and then.

IcePan
Locations in West Hollywood, Santa Ana and Redondo Beach
(312) 381-3210

Australian Homemade
115 St. Marks Pl.
New York, NY 10009
(212) 228-5439
photo courtesy of gracenotesnyc.com

p.s. check out this awesome topic-related song. I dig it, I dig it a lot.

Muscles - Ice Cream

Labels: good eats, icecream, ShoutsOfAdoration