Salt & Straw, a national chain of quirky ice cream shops backed by Danny Meyer, recently opened its first location in New York City. The establishment received a lot of media attention upon its opening, but some believe that the more unconventional flavors should have remained in Portland, a city known for its culinary scene. Classic flavors such as double-fold vanilla are available at Salt & Straw, which are priced at $21.20 for two double-scoop waffle cones. While the vanilla is creamy, some believe it lacks the depth of flavor found in other nearby ice cream shops.
The Upper West Side location of Salt & Straw features a long, airy storefront decorated with a mural by artist Dan Funderburgh. Despite warnings of long lines, the restaurant did not appear to be crowded during multiple visits. The ice cream shop offers a unique selection of flavors, similar to the pretentious style seen in other establishments. Although the flavors are based on familiar foods, some may still be a bit too out there for the average consumer.
One New York-themed flavor at Salt & Straw, called “pastrami on rye,” contains butterscotch ice cream filled with pastrami sourced from the Carnegie Deli. However, the overwhelming flavor of mustard may not be to everyone’s liking. Another flavor, “pistachio ricotta cannoli,” offers a more pleasant sweetness without a savory overload. Despite the creativity of these flavors, some find it to be more of a gimmick rather than a satisfying dessert option.
Despite some misses, there are also hits at Salt & Straw, such as the sea salt with caramel ribbons flavor. This classic flavor offers a simple indulgence in sweet interplay of flavor and texture. While some of the more experimental flavors may not hit the mark, this traditional option stands out as a delicious treat. However, the ice cream at Salt & Straw is often near-frozen-solid, requiring time to thaw to fully enjoy the flavors present.
The Halloween lineup at Salt & Straw features flavors such as “Jack o’ Lantern pumpkin” and “Candytopia.” While the salted butterscotch ice cream in the Candytopia flavor is palatable on its own, the addition of various candy fragments may not be to everyone’s liking. The “Creepy Crawlies” flavor, containing candied insect fragments under matcha ice cream, proved to be a bit too adventurous for some. This extreme flavor combination may be off-putting for those looking for a more traditional ice cream experience.
Despite its creative flavors and unique offerings, Salt & Straw may not appeal to everyone’s taste. While some flavors are successful, others may be too unconventional or gimmicky for the average consumer. The ice cream shop’s high prices and hit-or-miss flavors may make it a better fit for those seeking a more adventuresome dessert experience rather than those looking for traditional ice cream options.
