As the days get warmer and you’re craving ice cream, head over to Sundaes and Cones to try some of their homemade ice cream.  This premium ice cream store started in 1991 in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and relocated to their East Village location in 2006.  You’ll be lured in by their cute sign and simple name.  There are benches right outside where you can enjoy your treat, or sit inside where everything is white and spotless.  As for the ice cream, it’s some of the best in the city, you’ll be craving it.  Try all of the flavors such as Corn (which tastes exactly like corn ice cream would), Wasabi, Ginger, and my favorite, Black Sesame.  You’ll have a tough time choosing from their ice creams, which also include non-fat, no sugar added and frozen yogurt selections.  The two huge ice cream cases are intimidating, but you can always come back a second time.  Get it in a sugar cone, a fresh waffle cone, or in a cup.  Load on the toppings and don’t be afraid to ask for samples.  It’s right on 10th Street between 3rd and 4th Avenue, conveniently located by tons of restaurants and stores, you can’t miss it.

Sundaes and Cones

Google Map Sundaes and Cones

Connecticut Muffin is Brooklyn’s own Central Perk.  With 6 locations all over Brooklyn (and none in Connecticut), Connecticut Muffin proudly bakes it’s own goods and serves up great tasting drinks.  My favorite sweets include the Chocolate Cigar and the Red Velvet Cupcake, both are always so moist and addictive.  Also get an Iced Cafe Mocha to go with your sweet treat, the rich chocolate they use is perfect on a summer day.  If you’re in the area for lunch, they also have sandwiches, breads, panini’s and soups.  Don’t forget about the muffins!  Grab a few on your way out.  Flavors range from Cherries and Berries, Pumpkin Spice, and Banana Whole Grain, but get your pick early in the day because they run out.  The environment is fun with brick walls, art hanging, community boards, and mix-matched furniture.  It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and hang out, plus you can enjoy the free WiFi while you’re there!  Check out Connecticut Muffin’s flagship Store in Park Slope, but also go to their other locations from Cortelyou Road to Myrtle Ave.

Connecticut Muffin

Google Map Connecticut Muffin

As those hot summer days are soon approaching, you’ll want to cool down at the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.  Located on Bayard Street in Manhattan, the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is a family-run shop that has been making their own ice cream for over 28 years.  All of the ice cream and sorbets are made right there in the store, and wait till you hear the flavors that they have.  Choose from my favorites such as Almond Cookie, Black Sesame, Green Tea and Red Bean.  There is also the notorious Durian, Ginger, Taro, and Lychee, plus sorbets like Watermelon, Blueberry, Pina Colada and Pineapple.  If you want a regular, creamy flavor, pick the the Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Vanilla, Coconut Fudge, Pistachio or others.  You also might run into the occational Avocado flavor or Peanut Butter and Jelly.  There are always new and exciting flavors popping up, and you can even leave the shop with a Chinatown Ice Cream Factory t-shirt if you choose!  The place always has people in it, and is a great place to go for dessert after dinner.

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

Google Map Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

NOW AVAILABLE IN MULTIPLE COLORS AT ALIFE NYC

ALIFE NYC
158 Rivington Street, New York,
NY 10002 – TEL: (212) 375 8116
Monday – Saturday: 11AM – 7PM
Sunday: 12 NOON – 7PM

Head over to Cinema Cafe in Murray Hill on 34st Street and 3rd Avenue and all of your friends will be pleased with the selection.  Cinema Cafe offers an open, relaxed atmosphere and inside the restaurant, you’ll always find a movie playing in the background.  The place has a movie theme with old-fashioned posters lining the walls and there are movie lights dangling from the ceiling.  When it’s warm out, tables are available outside and you can enjoy the sun with your food and cocktail in hand.  The menu offers everything new American and more.  You can’t go wrong with a sandwich or burger, my favorite dish is the sliders that come with a small tin of crunchy fries, perfectly presented.  If you’re craving dim sum, you can also get that here!  The pizza is thin and has a very fresh taste, so you will not be disappointed.  Other favorites on the menu includes whole wheat pasta, steak, salads, chicken pot pie, and more.  Other Cinema’s are located in Manhattan on 45th Street and 70th Street, so go to whichever is convenient to you, and you will become a regular!

Cinema Cafe

Google Map Cinema Cafe