Walking through the East Village recently, I spotted the Van Leeuwen ice cream truck. I’ve heard about this place since it first opened, but whatever, I never had it.
I balked a little at its $3.95 for a small price tag, but eventually talked myself into it. I really wanted the Earl Grey ice cream, because that’s so much more unique than, um, what I wound up getting, but because I was sharing, I decided to be nice.
Mint chip! Which was nicely minty, very minty – almost medicinal or toothpaste-y, actually – and loaded with chips.
Okay, yes, it was tasty and the chocolate wasn’t as muted as it can sometimes be in many mint chocolate chip ice creams. But I don’t know about worth $3.95. I don’t know, call me a grumpy old lady, but one scoop for nearly $4 just seems like a waste. Maybe it’s because I don’t like sweets as much as savory… but that’s my opinion.
Yvo says: Tasty enough, and I could see on a hot day, if I was walking by, grabbing another cone. But in general, I don’t think it was amazing enough for me to go out of my way to get… so really, just an “If I’m walking by and see it, I don’t see why not” as opposed to “Ooh, Van Leeuwen is parked at xx today, I must go!”
middle of the road… slightly above average
T.C. says
I’ve seen the truck in the meat packing district once. Didn’t bother to try it. Oh well. Maybe some other time.
Meredith says
I agree. The blogosphere makes a big deal out of VL, but the ice cream really isn’t that amazing. I don’t think their stuff is that flavorful- I mean I can make better ice cream! I guess they have great marketing.
Hungry says
Hmm, was going to hit this truck up after some shopping but it disappeared! Guess I wasn’t missing much.
Jeannie says
I would agree, middle of the road (even low for some flavors!) but I enjoyed the earl grey tea. If you ever decide to give it a chance again, earl grey is the way to go.
Su-Lin says
$4 for one scoop of ice cream?! Wow.