I’ll admit it… my world was totally and completely shattered the day I found out Stogo in st marks had closed. Then, to add insult to injury, lulas was in talks to close up due to marital troubles… it was like a bad vegan nightmare (thankfully they were able to settle and reopen, with fewer business hours).
After getting over the traumatic loss of my stogo cream experience, I warily ventured over to van leeuwen, a few streets up from where stogo used to be.
Seeing as VL started out as a truck but were able to open a brick and mortar shop in one of the highest rent-charging neighborhoods, I figured it must be somewhat good. And the ice cream did not disappoint.
Too bad I can’t say the same for the service. The store was manned by two indifferent looking hipsters, who had a “yeah, we’re cool, you should already know, else you’re a loser” kind of vibe.
I didn’t exactly feel like I was being welcomed, and for how much they charge for their product ($6.00 for a double cone), they should be more receptive and courteous to their customers.
But besides the staff’s stank attitude, the overall ambiance of VL is nicely laid back and relaxing. I enjoyed a quaint view of the (probably crack den like) brownstone walkups across the street while licking my creamy pistachio ice cream cone.
Pistachio Ice Cream – 
And boy, was it creamy. The ice cream, which is made of a blend of coconut and cashew cream, was sublime. I’m not like a pistachio fanatic by any stretch of the imagination, but this version definitely made me a fan.
It wasn’t overpoweringly flavored with pistachio… just subtley infused with the taste. The texture was both creamy and light, and it didnt leave me with an unpleasant aftertaste.
I also had a taste of the mint chip flavor, which I liked less than pistachio but was still pretty tasty. You can definitely taste that VL’s ice cream isn’t mass made, giving each batch a uniquely satisfying flavor palate and consistency.
It’s just too bad I didn’t have a favorable experience with the staff… otherwise this visit would’ve been perfect.
