With summer coming to a fiery close, I thought it would be a good idea for Sandwich Wednesday to get its last licks in with a list of four of our favorite ice cream sandwiches in New York City.
1. Redd Foxx at Mikey Likes It
It’s probably a good thing that Mikey Likes It Ice Cream, the hiphop themed scoop shop in the East Village is a good 45-minute subway ride from me, otherwise I’d be in here every day scarfing down a Redd Foxx. Named for the salacious comedian it’s a freshly made red velvet waffle encasing a scoop of ice cream. Mikey Likes It Ice Cream, 199 Avenue A, 646-896-1836
2. Pandi Ice Cream at House of Inasal
The pandi-ice cream ($5.50) at House of Inasal is surely the most elaborate pair of ice cream sandwiches to ever be served under the 7 train. It’s a duo of ube ice cream sandwiches topped with halaya, coconut, and pinipig. Young coconut and pinipig, a crunchy beaten rice, top each scoop of purple yam ice cream. The warm slightly sweet eggy buns are smeared with halaya, a rich spread made from ube, or purple yam. Pandi-ice cream is the best most purple ice cream sandwich in Queens. House of Inasal, 65-14 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside, 718-429-0709
3. Pistachio and Inimitable Foccacine at Amorino Gelato
“Pistachio and Inimitable,” the dude behind the counter at this Chelsea gelateria said when I asked what flavor foccacine I should have. That last translates as inimitable and is the gelateria’s chocolate hazelnut flavor.
“This is like a bomb” he said placing it on the table. A wave of whipped cream swooped above the pistachio ice cream that peeked out of the bun. It’s served with a knife and fork and threatens the bounds of the bun, but since the focaccine is after all a sandwich I suggest eating it as such. Amorino, 162 8th Ave., 212-255-6471
PLEASE NOTE THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED
4. I Tim Ka Ti at Sugar Club
I tim ka ti, a Thai ice cream sandwich, is only served at festivals at this Elmhurst institution. A hot dog bun cradles pandan scented sticky rice and three scoops of homemade coconut ice cream topped with candied jackfruit and roasted peanuts. I’m going to lobby that they make this all year round. Sugar Club, 81-18 Broadway, Elmhurst, 718-865-9018