Lula's Sweet Apothecary

What does vegan ice cream taste like? Apparently, better than real ice cream.

Just when I thought I couldn't possibly have one more reason to love the East Village, Lula's Sweet Apothecary barges into my life, steals my heart, and runs away with it forever. See, I'm not a huge dairy person, so ice cream is usually at the very bottom of my dessert list (if, at all). Tell me I can't have ice cream ever again and I can't say I'll be devastated. That is, until I met Lula.

This tiny ice cream parlor on east 6th street is very easy to miss (I know this because I missed it every single time I went) if not for the crowd that quietly gathers at the door. The shop is kept simple, with a charming collection of vintage coca-cola signs hanging on the wall. Three seats facing the window is about all this store can offer, but there's a bench outside and the Creative Little Garden across the street where you can sit and enjoy (nay, devour) your order.

The first two times I went, I ordered strawberry. I swear if I didn't know it was a vegan, all natural, dairy and gluten-free ice cream, I would've mistaken it for premium ice cream - you know, the kind that has a jillion calories because it's loaded with heavy cream. This was ridiculously smooth and every bit as creamy as regular ice cream, with a nice touch of soy that adds a nuttier flavor. Not cloyingly sweet, it flaunted a kind of silky consistency that goes down way easy. The Maple Waffle flavor charmed me - what with its syrupy sweetness and a generous serving of chewy waffle bits embedded in every bite.. like breakfast on a cone. Ohh-Lu-La.

I will never feel about regular ice cream, what I feel about you.

- Kris Alcantara

PS
Here are the deets!

Lula's Sweet Apothecary
516 East 6th Street
New York, NY 10009

oh and psst, they open at 3PM.