La NewYorkina Modern Mexican Ice Pops
It was a hot day, I was thirsty and in the mood for something sweet. I had enough Mister softee and fancy frozen yogurt for the week. I walked into the Hester Street Fair, and the answer was looking at me. La NewYorkina “modern mexican ice pops.” Such a simple and refreshing idea.
I asked what the most popular flavor was, and Fanny, one of the propieters, served me Mango con Chile (Spicy Mango). The $4 pop was filled with large mango chunks. The chili made for an occasional bursts of spice. If the pop isn’t spicy enough for your taste, Fany offers seasoning to sprinkle (like you would pepper flakes on a pizza).
Other flavors include:
- Fresa-Strawberry
- Tamarindo Fresco- Fresh Tamarind
- Horchata- Cinnamon Rice Milk
- Jamaica- Hibiscus
- Pina con Menta- Pineapple Mint
- Nuez- Pecan
Fanny explained that she makes the pops after hours in a local wholesale bakery after 7pm during the week. It is a simple process from the cutting of the fruit, to the freezing. literally what you see is what you get. Check out these Facebook pics of the process.
At this point, they are getting ready for the Hester Street Fair each week. I see no reason why this concept can’t go bigger with a food truck or even a well positioned storefront.
Find La Newyorkina at the Hester Street Fair, every Saturday and Sunday,
10am to 6pm.
The Roasting Plant
I stopped in because the place had a cool and clean look. The mac powered signage was sophisticated and modern . It wasn’t until I heard some rumbling in the background that I realized that all coffee is made to order with an elaborate system of transparent pipes that transport just the right amount of coffee to their “Swiss made brewers.” They call this proprietary system, Roasting Plant Javabot™. See the pics I took.
I hesitated to order the Harrar, which was the coffee of the week because the description said it was medium bodied and had blueberry undertones. I am more of a full-bodied guy and I am not really into “fruity” coffee. This coffee was perfect. Piping hot, smooth and delicate. I am still wondering how they are able to grow coffee with that subtle blueberry taste.
For some substance, I enjoyed one their “Best Chocolate Chip Cookie In New York City.” I can’t describe the cookie any better than the already published review in Serious Eats…. “A gorgeous cookie–bumps, nooks, and crannies. Chewy, crispy. An absolute ideal.”
If you are in the area, stop by. If you are not in the area, this coffee is worth the trip!
Rating:
Food – 9/10
Ambiance – 9/10
Service – 8/10
Category:
Food Type – Coffee
Style – Casual
Price – Resonable
Wanna go?
Address/phone –
81 Orchard Street, 212-775-7755
website- roastingplant.com
The Lemon Ice King of Corona
There is only one King and he’s from Queens. I have been enjoying the Lemon Ice King of Corona my entire life but the establishment has been around for twice as long as me (over 60 years).
This time I had the fresh tart and tangy and lemon ice featuring lemon rinds and other fresh ingredients. Perfect for a hot summer day or a a cooler than usual spring day (they have candy apples for the fall and winter). I am not loyal to lemon. In the past I have enjoyed many of their close to 40 flavors including pina colada, pineapple, tangerine, and strawberry. Sometimes, but not very often, I opt for their non-fruit flavors like black licorice, vanilla and coffee.
Tough they have lots of flavors, the rules are clear, there’s no mixing!
I may switch flavors but I always get the medium size ($2). Though I often want more ice, there is something about that size that works for me (I like to squeeze the ice from the bottom rather than scooping ice from a soda cup).
Ices are not a complete experience without going to the park across the street and watching local older Italian men play bocce while slurping away your ice.
Rating:
Food – 9/10
Ambiance – 9/10 (tradition)
Service – 8/10 (straight forward, they scoop ices)
Category:
Food Type – Italian Ices, Dessert
Style – Casual
Price – Reasonable
Wanna go?
Address/phone –
52-02 108th Street, Corona, NY 718-699-5133
website- thelemonicekingofcorona.com