On Saturday September 3rd the East Village had their taste buds rocked due to the grand opening of the first Big Gay Ice Cream Shop on East 7th street between First Avenue and Avenue A.
Starting out as just an ice cream truck in 2009, The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck has clearly left a mark on New York City. With creations that are destined to be savored like the Signature Items, such as the Salty Pimp, the Bea Arthur and the Monday Sundae to name a few, it is no wonder why there was a line Saturday afternoon that required at least a forty minute wait. The shop has also expanded their menu to include some specialties with treats imported from Melt Bakery such as the Rue McClanahan (bourbon ice cream with praline- pecan cookies) and La Newyorkina’s paletas (Mexican popsicles).
As a first time customer I had relatively high expectations for the shop due to what I saw of the menu online and was excited to finally reach the door and be able to drink in the energy of the new shop after what felt like hours in line in the hot sun. As soon as I stepped inside I immediately fell in love with what I now know is artist Sam Simon’s “magic unicorn” that takes up most of the western wall of the shop. I immediately felt like I was in some sort of Disney movie or in Willy Wonka’s factory. While in line with friends the general consensus was that there was a pretty even mix of new customers and old customers. A fellow new customer like myself, New School student Corey Vogel also fell in love with the shop.
“I had heard about the shop from several sources and it held a sort of mysticism for me, everyone loved it so I had to try it. My girlfriend (Jori Schwartz) sprung the idea on me of going to the shop on opening day and the next thing I knew I was waiting in line bubbling with excitement. I got the salty pimp on a waffle cone and I loved it! I'm a huge ice cream enthusiast and this may have been the best I've ever had. I'm already looking for an excuse to go back. Even at $5 a cone, I can see it becoming one of my new favorite places to visit.”
Jori Schwartz, another New School student and Corey’s girlfriend is a huge fan of the truck and shop and had nothing but wonderful things to say about the treats.
“I first heard of the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck on a walk home from school last April but I never had cash on me to try it out. The first time I had it I got a Salty Pimp in a waffle cone and it was delicious! Big Gay Ice Cream is different than any other ice cream to me because it’s not only delicious but also made with love. The server at the truck was very funny and charismatic and that combined with how delicious it is makes me always want to go back for more. I was really excited about the store opening because I liked the fact that I wouldn’t have to chase the truck all over the city anymore and the continuity of it. I also heard through Twitter that Anthony Bourdain and Stacey London were going to be there along with a hired drag queen.”
All in all the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop’s first opening day seemed to have been a great success and although no official rep was able to comment on the day itself anyone passing by clearly saw the mania that is sure to stay at The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop.
Other Sources
1) http://www.biggayicecream.com/blog/
2) http://blogs.villagevoice.com/forkintheroad/2011/08/big_gay_ice_cre_8.php
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