Patch Picks: We All Scream for Ice Cream

Although ice cream was not invented here, it has become as American as, well, The Declaration of Independence. Every source that I could find, although none could authenticate it, declared the very first ice cream parlor in North America opened in 1776 in New York City. There is also much lore describing George Washington’s and Thomas Jefferson ‘s fondness for this  treat, and yes, Dolly Madison did serve ice cream in the White House in 1812. So, it is no surprise that we do not need to travel very far, in any month of the year, to find an ice cream shop in our neighborhood.

Athanassios Karvelas, who became known to one and all as Tom Carvel, opened his first ice cream store in nearby Hartsdale in 1936. Carvel’s swirly soft serve concoction can be found at franchise stores in , (1874 Pleasantville Rd. in Briarcliff Manor) and at 505 Bedford Rd. in . Special offers include a Wednesday sundae promotion where you receive for free a second Sundae of equal size and value to the one that you buy. Throughout August Carvel celebrates “happy hour” from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. by offering 12 oz. shakes and smoothies for $1.99 each.

Longford's Own-Made Ice Cream is manufactured in Port Chester, and if you are down county, you can indulge at locations in Rye and Larchmont. However, you need not travel that far. , (Wheeler Avenue) decorated with nod to the neighborhood ice cream parlors of  the 1950s serves their ice cream, gelato and sorbet. Although not all flavors are available at all times Longford’s list includes Vanilla, Tahitian Vanilla, Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Rum Raisin, Black Raspberry, Cinnamon, Lemon Pie, Chocolate Caramel Crackle, Cantaloupe, Pure Pistachio, Honey Coffee, Coffee Chunk, Creme Caramel, Mud Pie, Cherry Vanilla, Expresso Nugget, Peppermint Stick, Coconut Mounds, Mint Chocolate Chip, Georgia Peach, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Almond Swirl, Oreo Bomb, Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Praline Pecan, Pumpkin Pie and Maple Walnut.

 (64 Washington Ave.) serves what is categorized in the industry as "Super Premium." Cold Stone's ice cream is made in-store every day. Mix-ins are added while the base flavor is spread out on a “cold stone.” Mix-ins include candy treats such as Almond Joy, licorice, chocolate shavings, sprinklers, gumballs and York Peppermint Patties. An armada of ice cream flavors at Cold Stone (not all available at all time), include Amaretto, Banana, Black Cherry, Bubble Gum, Butter Pecan, Caramel Latte, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Bun, Coconut, Cookie Batter, Cotton Candy, Dark Chocolate, Green Apple Gummy Bear, French Toast etc. The  flavor of the month for August is Mojito Sorbet.

Newly-opened in Briarcliff Manor serves Jane's Ice Cream, made in Kingston, NY. Recent flavors include s'mores, butter becan and coffee frozen yogurt. Toppings offered at Good Food include chocolate sauce, dulce du leche, nutella, maple walnuts, chocolate dulce du leche, whipped cream and fruit.

Recently opened is (75 S. Greeley Ave. Chappaqua), a health-conscious eatery and ice cream parlor that uses locally grown and raised organic ingredients. Its ice cream has no preservatives or artificial coloring. Flavors include mint lace and ginger crème brulée from Ronnybrook Farm in Ancramdale in Columbia County. Ice cream treats are served in glass dishes with metal spoons. Specialties include one and two scoop sundaes such as The Libertine with organic coconuts, peanuts and whipped cream and Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, a mix of organic pineapple, whipped cream and chocolate sauce.