Van Leeuwen (Rockefeller Center)
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Whether or not you feel any special way about Rockefeller Center (and I definitely run in the fond feelings category), this ice cream shop’s sheer presence is an impeccable tailwind. If only it had been around during the fabled time of nearby Prometheus, to defy the gods and bring ice cream to humans, a civilization built on the spun flavors and bliss of decadent treats. Rosy walls surround and an unruly gold wave of pipe follows a silver birch counter that extends as floor to the door. Come to think of it, the space almost subtly suggests the electrolysis of rose gold. Could there be a more fitting effort in the throngs of the gilded Rockefeller Center? And the silver birch ensures that Van Leeuwen—its white, shadowed and lighted-face letters—and its stainless steal ice cream cabinets are what’s experienced. Every drop of ice cream that misses ones mouth appears, but for a moment. Tourists fill benches of the silver birch that bunches up as it begins to ascend the wall, and yellow-legged circulars where the surface material has finally managed to detach. You’ll find no plugs. However, if you think about it, “anything good” doesn’t promise everything. Vegetables and charging ports can’t be too far away—Prometheus’s fire at play.
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Drink: Iced Oat Latte
He swirled the latte—very finesse of him—as he handed it out. The espresso was pulled by the La Marzocco, and then some CALIFIA FARMS Oat Barista Blend milk was added. It was exactly what I was looking for. It’s not stellar, but it will arrive on time to the ice cream festivities—a reliable attendee.
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Drink: 2 Scoop Classic
Ice Cream Cake Scoop – It had more meat to it than the typical cookies and cream—a delightful surprise. It reminds me of the classic Coldstone combo of sweet cream and Oreos folded together on a slab. This flavor was my favorite growing up. This scoop is all the richness I love.
Passion Fruit Berry Pop – This special Keith Haring, Pride Month makes my heart flutter. Not only does it fuse the art world and the LGBTQIA+ community—not the easiest feat—but it’s colorful and flavorful and well worth the dipper’s trip. What I love most though is how adventurous it is: blue raspberry, passion fruit, and strawberry jam combined. No one at HQ held back. Maybe it was just for the colors, but it pulls it off. It isn’t a chaotic melding. Rather it is the ice cream translation of canvas to pint.
Price: 2 Scoop Classic=$8.85; Latte=$4 (no upcharge for non-dairy milk)
Hours: Everyday {11–1}
Extra Notes:
There is a WIFI network, and you can probably get on it. However, because I couldn’t get the password (or figure it out otherwise), I wasn’t able to confirm that it works.