Podcast Summary: All Of It – "The Best NYC Ice Cream"

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host/Author: WNYC
• Description: A show about culture and its consumers, engaging thinkers, doers, makers, and creators to explore the what and why of their work within the diverse cultural landscape of New York City.
• Episode Title: The Best NYC Ice Cream
• Release Date: July 23, 2025
• Host: Kate Hines (filling in for Alison Stewart)

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Best NYC Ice Cream," host Kate Hines delves into one of New York City's beloved treats: ice cream. Celebrating the city's rich and diverse culinary scene, the episode features a discussion with Sonal Shah and Willa Moore from The Infatuation, who share their expertly curated guide to the best ice cream spots across NYC.

Methodology Behind the Guide

Sonal Shah and Willa Moore explain that The Infatuation's guide is the product of extensive personal taste testing by their dedicated team.

• Sonal Shah (01:22): "At The Infatuation, we provide expert restaurant recommendations for every single kind of dining situation. So that includes, of course, dessert. And we go out and personally try."

Their approach ensures that each recommendation is thoroughly vetted, offering readers reliable insights into the city's top ice cream offerings.

Key Qualities of Outstanding Ice Cream

The hosts discuss what makes an ice cream scoop exceptional:

• Willa Moore (01:45): "I like chocolate... I’m looking for creamy dreamy cones... something that’s really flavorful."
• Sonal Shah (02:09): "The flavor has to really come through. I need a strong flavor in my ice cream... a good punchy flavor, freshness, creaminess."

These criteria focus on the balance of flavor, texture, and quality of ingredients.

Featured Ice Cream Shops

The episode highlights several standout ice cream establishments in NYC, each bringing unique flavors and experiences to the table.

1. Cafe Pana (03:29)

• Locations: Gramercy and Greenpoint
• Highlights:
  • Creative flavors such as the "Odds Dream," a vanilla sweet cream ice cream with thick shards of peanut butter.
  • Rotating sundaes and affogatos (traditional espresso and vanilla ice cream elevated with additions like brownie chunks).
  • Emphasis on high-quality ingredients, including whipped cream made from Italian dairy and fresh fruits from the Union Square Farmer’s Market.
• Willa Moore (04:33): "There are no simple options. It’s a maximalist take on ice cream."

2. Sugar Hill Creamery (05:24)

• Location: Harlem on Malcolm X Boulevard
• Highlights:
  • Community-oriented with events like drum circles and kids' activities.
  • Flavors inspired by local history and community, such as "Orange Blossom" with pistachio cake and "Cafe Tuba," a Senegalese coffee-inspired ice cream.
• Listener Shoutout from Joe (06:30): Praises the extraordinary flavors and commitment to quality.

3. Nun Left (07:27)

• Location: Convent Avenue, Harlem
• Highlights:
  • Founded by Jane, a pastry chef from Per Se, offering small-batch, high-quality ice creams.
  • Unique seasonal flavors like "Strawberry Basil with Lemon Pepper Shortbread" and "Smoky S’more."
  • Available for pickup or delivery, with pints priced at $15.
• Sonal Shah (07:42): "Her flavors are very fresh... one scoop just satisfies you because it’s so flavorful."

4. La Baro de Gelati (08:55)

• Location: Fifth Avenue, Park Slope
• Highlights:
  • Classic gelato flavors such as Nichola and Stracciatella.
  • Creative specials like "Ricotta and Tomato and Basil," blending sweet and savory elements.
• Willa Moore (08:59): "Absolutely recommend going there if you love gelato."

5. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory (09:50)

• Location: Chinatown
• Highlights:
  • Signature flavors like egg tart and black sesame.
  • Offers non-lactose options, accommodating dietary restrictions.
  • Approaching its 50th anniversary, cementing its status as a NYC classic.
• Caller Jesse (09:50): Shares personal favorite flavors and appreciates the inclusive options.

6. Mr. Peas (12:06)

• Location: Flatbush
• Highlights:
  • Caribbean-influenced flavors such as soursop and beet & ginger.
  • Vegan options like avocado ice cream.
  • Family-run by a father and son, fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
• Willa Moore (12:12): "It’s a great spot. You should check it out."

7. Ice Cream Window (12:51)

• Location: Ridgewood on Woodward Avenue
• Highlights:
  • Weekend pop-up run by artists and graphic designers.
  • Unique flavors inspired by the neighborhood's Polish and German heritage, like Waldmeister and Mak (poppy seed).
  • Engaging customer experience with samples provided during wait times.
• Astrid (12:51): Describes the creative inspiration behind the flavors and the interactive experience.

8. John's (14:13)

• Location: Richmond Hill
• Highlights:
  • A classic diner with a robust ice cream menu.
  • Maintains nostalgic charm with enduring popularity.
• Willa Moore (14:26): Recommends their Sunday offerings and extensive menu.

9. Fountain Bookshop (14:43)

• Location: 187th and Fort Washington
• Highlights:
  • Unique ice cream flavors like watermelon cucumber sorbet.
  • Combines a local bookstore ambiance with a soda fountain.
• Kate Hines (14:26): "It's a local gem."

10. Brick's House (15:17)

• Location: 406 Rogers Ave, Brooklyn
• Highlights:
  • Small-batch handcrafted ice cream.
  • Specializes in flavors like grape nut and soursop.
• Willa Moore (15:30): "Another place I love for grape nut ice cream is Island Pops."

Listener Contributions

Throughout the episode, listeners actively participate by sharing their favorite ice cream spots and flavors:

• Children's Recommendation (14:13): Mimi's by Martine's in Scarsdale with flavors like wild berries, yogurt, tiramisu, and pistachio.
• Daniel from Brooklyn (17:04): Praises Social in Prospect Heights, the original owner of Ample Hills, and criticizes Morgenstern's zero taste policy.
• Additional Mentions: Torico in Jersey City and Moo Creamery, highlighting the expanding ice cream scene beyond NYC.

Discussion on Tasting Policies

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the varying tasting policies of ice cream shops and their impact on customer experience:

• Kate Hines (10:50): Compares Salt & Straw's tasting approach with Morgenstern's no-taste policy.
• Sonal Shah (11:27): Expresses a desire for a balanced tasting system where customers can sample without pressure to purchase multiple scoops.
• Willa Moore (11:56): Recommends Mr. Peas for its three-taste-per-customer limit, balancing tasting freedom and efficiency.

Community and Cultural Impact

The episode underscores ice cream's role in reflecting and shaping New York City's cultural diversity. From community-oriented shops like Sugar Hill Creamery to artist-driven pop-ups like Ice Cream Window, each establishment offers a unique narrative intertwined with the city's multifaceted identity.

Conclusion

"The Best NYC Ice Cream" episode of All Of It provides an engaging exploration of New York City's vibrant ice cream scene. Through expert insights, listener interactions, and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity, the episode celebrates ice cream not just as a dessert, but as a cultural staple that brings communities together.

Notable Quotes:

• Kate Hines (00:09): "This is all of it. I'm Kate Hines filling in for Alison Stewart."
• Sonal Shah (02:09): "The flavor has to really come through. I need a strong flavor in my ice cream."
• Willa Moore (05:01): "Eddie's Sweet Shop. They make fantastic sundaes, banana splits. It's a real New York institution."
• Sonal Shah (07:42): "Her flavors are very fresh. One little scoop just satisfies you because it’s so flavorful."
• Sonal Shah (11:27): "I want to have a little taste of every single ice cream and leave the store and not feel bad about it."

Tune In Next Time:
Join ALL OF IT with Alison Stewart on weekdays from 12:00 - 2:00PM on WNYC for more cultural explorations. The next episode will continue the local food celebration with a focus on tacos.