Kudos to owner Ellen Sledge, for her upbeat charm, and creating such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.  Today I had the pleasure of visiting the cleverly-named Penny Lick Ice Cream parlor in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY.  Believe me, there were quite a few treats I wish I could have taken home to Ossining, but they’d certainly have melted by the time I got home.  This establishment definitely prides itself on not being TOO out there with its flavors, and is a simple but large shop, canvassed with photos by her neighbor, and a party room in the back for kids, decorated by a painter-friend of the owner.  Additionally, while the shop does offer two flavors containing nuts, it prides itself on being a pretty good safe-haven for children with such allergies.

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with a very kind and chipper demeanor by Ellen.  I asked if I could sample a few flavors, and she remarked “Of course you can; it wouldn’t be fun or an ice cream shop if you couldn’t sample as many flavors as you liked!”.  🙂  I also was immediately given “the grand tour”, and saw the area right behind the counter, where the ice cream is made fresh every day.  How awesome, that everything is made right there!  For my part, I sampled Honey Graham, Mint Chocolate Chip (which was still all soft and swirly, having recently been made) and one other which sadly, I cannot remember :(.  Sorry, folks.  Admittedly, I found Honey Graham to be a little too sweet, but still tasty.  Ellen explained to me that the Mint Chocolate Chip is made in a style of stracciatella.

Now, for the freezer, which offered some ice cream pops, fruit-flavored amongst them, vegan offerings, and a nutella ice cream bar.  Yummmmmm.  I wound up walking out being a little typical, with a double-scoop of cookies and cream in a sugar cone, but very happy.  Being custard-based, I felt a delightful smoothness upon my lips after I devoured my cooling treat.  Like freon to my system on such a hot day.  I highly recommend visiting Penny Lick!  If I doled out stars, I’d give it 10!  Listen, I told Ellen her hair was awesome, and we became fast friends; that’s all there is to it.  Just kidding.  Bon Apetit!