Discovering the Goodness of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life
Photos by Gerry and Pamela Barker

Van Leeuwen, which started as an ice cream food truck in New York, has grown to over 100 locations nationally and counting, and we celebrated the opening of its storefront in West Palm Beach's trendy NORA district at a private grand opening event on Monday.

This was our first visit to the NORA (North Railroad Avenue) District, an impressive new development north of downtown that has that budding Brickell/Wynwood vibe.

“What started nearly 20 years ago as a scoop truck on the streets of New York has grown far beyond what we imagined, and we’re so excited to bring Van Leeuwen to Palm Beach,” said Ben Van Leeuwen, co-founder and CEO in their press release. “Palm Beach County’s vibrant community, and laid-back coastal charm make it the perfect place for our next scoop shops. We can’t wait to share our ice cream with locals and visitors alike — good ice cream that makes you feel good.”

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​You could say their whole brand is built around "feeling good." The signage on the wall inside says it all: "A Life Without Anything Good Is Bad." And when you sample their ice cream, you won't have anything to feel bad about, even those extra calories. As their founders say, "Yes, our ice cream has fat. And that's okay. It's good-good, not good-bad."

With over 25 flavors, including a selection of vegan choices, where to start? Besides the standard vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, there's BIGFACE Coffee Affogato, Honeycomb, Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Brownie, Pistachio (made with Sicilian pistachios from Mount Etna), Marionberry Cheesecake, and Earl Grey Tea. And of course a special flavor for their Floridian fans: Key Lime Pie.

As a nod to Palm Beach, Van Leeuwen has partnered with Palm Beach-born brand Lilly Pulitzer to feature limited-time ice cream cups and a Lilly sundae featuring Key Lime Pie ice cream, Fabbri Strawberries, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbs.

Along with their location in Miami and in the NORA District, you can find them in Palm Beach Gardens (11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave). and in Delray Beach's Sundy Village.

My favorite flavor? Assisted by the store manager, Fiona, I went with Honeycomb, with caramel topping. Take it from me: It's good-good-good.

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