Categories
Dining

HALO TOP Ice Cream Is Better Than We Could Have Ever Imagined

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I Scream You Scream We All Scream for Ice Cream…but without the calories?

Your prayers have been answered by the one with a Halo.

It’s true, the creators of Halo Top have just uncovered the biggest anomaly in food history.

Foodie or not, most of us have heard about the new trend of low cal ice creams hitting the market. The biggest battle being Halo Top versus Arctic Zero. Though after trying both, I have to say there is really no competition.

If I may be so candid to say, Arctic Zero tasted like dirty snow.

Where as our Downtown team was blown away by all the sweet delicious flavor that was packed into 240 calories of Halo Top. That’s right people, 240 calories. Not for a quarter of the pint or even half. FOR THE WHOLE DAMN THING. Because let’s be honest with ourselves… we’re not, not going to eat the entire thing.

Plus nearly 50% of your Daily Value of protein. It begs the question: Why doesn’t everyone just do this? static1.squarespacePrior to our little taste testing I was skeptical. Low calorie, low fat, low sugar, high protein AND gluten-free. Unless the ice cream was flavored with grilled chicken and asparagus there is no way it could be this healthy, right?

Wrong.

You guys, I’m telling you, it tastes like REAL ice cream. The chocolate is chocolate-y. The vanilla is vanilla-y. It’s rich. It’s creamy. It’s just plain good.

If you’re on your way to the grocery store now, here are my personal recommendations:

“Birthday Cake” comes in as my number one favorite. Reluctant to publicly admit that I ate the whole thing in one sitting.

However, if you’re a fellow chocotectic like myself: both the plain “Chocolate” and the “Chocolate Mocha Chip” satisfy that dark sweet tooth.

And lastly, I have never been attracted to citrus flavors because I prefer my dessert to not taste like a Glade scented candle… but…the “Lemon Cake” pint was exceptionally mouthwatering. static1.squarespace

They said it best “SAVE THE BOWL, you’re going to want the whole pint.”

Categories
Living

Must-Go Gelato and Sorbet Shops Downtown

Ice Cream Photo Cover

Image: Gordon Ramsay

Looking for a cold, creamy treat while you detour around the Downtown Manhattan area? There are plenty of places to satisfy your summer cravings. From laboratory crafted creations to unique and exotic flavors, here are three major eateries that are sure to give you a run for your money.

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Image: Il Laboratorio del Gelato’s Facebook.

Il Laboratorio del Gelato. Located on Ludow St is one of the most popular gelato and sorbet shops in the city. This laboratory-esque parlor offers over 50 ice cream flavors and wide array of sorbet flavors to satisfy your sweet tooth – the possibilities are endless. Their unique variety will keep you constantly excited and refreshed. Two of Laboratorio’s most popular flavors are apple fuji and salted caramel. 188 Ludlow Street.

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Image: A.B. Biagi’s Instagram.

Next, head to Elizabeth Street to visit A.B. Biagi Gelatoa sure spot for delightful gelato and sorbet. Located in the heart of Nolita, this store offers an eclectic variety; the different flavors and vibrant colors prove that gelato is more than just a snack, it’s an art. Each flavor is meticulously prepared to achieve that cool refreshing taste without compromising your standards of superb creamy goodness. Also, all of their sorbet flavors are vegan, great for all the dairy-free consumers out there.  Crowd favorites are the classics: chocolate and strawberry.  Make sure you stop by A.B. Biagi Gelato this summer to see for yourself why customers can’t get enough of their creamy dessert. 235 Elizabeth Street.

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Image: M’O Gelato’s Facebook.

You don’t need complex flavors and ingredients to create a delectable dish. M’O Gelato turns simple into sensational with their tasty frozen treats. Located in Little Italy, M’O Gelato is trendy and easily accessible from the 4, 6 and J train. This authentic shop sells some of finest gelato around, using fresh ingredients without any artificial additives, proving that perfection isn’t as complicated as we might think. 178 Mulberry Street.

-Mariah Brown

Categories
Uncategorized

GoodPop: Fresh and Healthy Summer Refreshment from Austin, Texas

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Times have changed. And guess what? So has ice-cream since the days of the Good Humor Man.

Say hello to GoodPop—a fresh, innovative and all-natural ice cream brand.

This delicious refreshment is made from fresh, local Texas ingredients, and sweetened with USDA-certified organic cane sugar or organic agave nectar. GoodPop’s non-dair, vegan options are 48-63 calories with flavors including Strawberry Lemonade, Watermelon Agave, and Hibiscus Mint. The dairy-based products range from 85-102 calories with flavors including Coldbrew, Coffee, Banana Cinnamon and Chocolate Milk.

And while GoodPop proves ice-creams aren’t what they used to be… the Ice Cream Man has also had a makeover. Good Pop’s Founder and CEO, Daniel Goetz is a young and charming guy from California who attended the University of Texas and developed a fresh new idea.

“We’re a small company, not only dedicated to making the best frozen treats on the market,” says Goetz. “We’re committed to having good, clean fun, supporting our local community, giving back and making people happy.”

One example of that policiy is Goodpop’s partnerships with non-profits and charitable organizations including Livestrong, the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society and and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Since launching at Austin’s farmers markets in 2009, has become one of the fastest-growing frozen food treats in the Southwest. GoodPop can be found in natural and specialty retailers such as Whole Foods or Gelson’s, among others, in 15+ states across the Southwest, West Coast, Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain regions (see the whole list of retailers here).

They are planning a New York invasion in the near future. But in the meantime, GoodPop 4-Packs are available for purchase and order online at goodpops.com