I’m moving!
From now on, my address will be: 516 East 6th Street, New York.
Oh wait. That just so happens to also be the address of Lula’s Sweet Apothecary and its cashew-based ice cream flavors such as caramel swirl, peanut butter chocolate chip, butterscotch, soft-serve cake batter… Coincidence?
Above: Mocha Chip and Cream Soda ice cream.
Did I mention that eating at Lula’s got my boyfriend to grudgingly admit vegan ice cream can be awesome? We’ve now been to Lula’s umm… three times in a week. I think know I’m in love.
Lula’s has the uncanny ability to churn out ice creams that exactly mimic the flavor of their inspired foods. The cookies-n-cream tastes like eating Oreos, the cream soda is so authentic it should come with a straw, and if you close your eyes while consuming the pb&j ice cream you will swear that you’re biting into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
On the first trip, I ordered their famous cake batter soft serve:
It tasted exactly like cake batter.
And it made me embarrassed for posting my Cake Batter Milkshake.
My shake recipe tastes like a delicious vanilla-y shake… But Lula’s soft serve? It tastes like you are literally eating raw cake batter in the form of ice cream. In fact, it was a little too weird for me; the cake batter flavor was too spot-on! Since I didn’t want to settle for something I didn’t completely love (on what I thought would be my only trip to Lula’s), I went back in and ordered the chocolate soft serve:
Hands down the best thing I’d eaten on the entire vacation.
(As mentioned earlier, we went back twice more after that first trip to Lula’s, and I ordered their non-soft-serve chocolate ice cream and oatmeal-raisin cookie. Please, Lula’s, please come to Texas!!)
Later…
For dinner, we met up with Jessica and her boyfriend at Souen, one of my favorite restaurants in NYC. Souen is macrobiotic, but not completely vegetarian, and the boys both ordered sushi.
I usually order the Kuzu Stew, but Jessica kept raving about a particular dish with the unassuming name of “Squash Tofu.” I never would’ve thought to try it had she not gone on and on (and on) about how good it was.
The dish (which we both ordered sans tofu) boasts a plethora of vegetables—broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onion, kale, carrot, and kabocha squash—enveloped in the most delicious creamy tahini sauce you could ever imagine. Think: the taste and texture of peanut sauce, but with tahini instead of peanut butter. It was thick and rich and the perfect balance of salty and sweet.
(Above, Jess and her dinner, which also came with a side of brown rice.)
Question of the Day:
What restaurant or bakery would you like to live at?
If anyone needs me, I’ll be in the Lula’s freezer, eating my way through their chocolate ice cream. Note to the staff at Lula’s: stock up.
Link of the Day:
The Blissful Baker says
That ‘ice cream’ looks amazing! Just another reason I want to visit NYC soon! Thanks for the great tip 🙂
Check out my latest recipe, review and giveaway
Allison says
I’ll be there tomorrow in the 2:00 neighorhood! Would love to bump into the famous Chocolate Covered Katie 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Ooh don’t go at 2. They actually don’t open til 3pm. Also, they’re not open on Mondays. But a few days ago, we couldn’t wait and so we went to Sustainable NYC, which is really close and also sells Lulas (just not the soft serve flavors).
Rachel says
Mmmmmm cake batter soft serve sounds amazing!
Yellow Haired Girl says
Cake batter?! What?! YUM!
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
Oh I don’t think my waist line could survive me living in a bakery!
Or within a 10 mile radius of one 🙂
Cheerfully Vegan says
The ice cream looks amazing!! But I have to ask…why no tofu with your squash tofu?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I don’t have a problem with soy, but I try not to go overboard because too much of a good thing is never a good idea. I’m such a fan of things like my chocolate pie (with tofu) or ranch dressing (also with tofu) or products that contain soy that if it’s easy to leave it out of something and not miss it, I usually will do so. (Then I don’t have to worry about eating it when I really do want it.)
Sharky says
It’s going to be a tight fit, because I’m moving into Lula’s, too! When I ate there, after the first lick of my cake-batter ice cream I said, “This is the best-tasting thing I’ve ever had in my mouth.”
I discovered your blog over the weekend and immediately made the Fudge Babies. Boyfriend and I have been taking them in our work lunches this week and we love them! Can’t wait to try more of your awesome recipes.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Yay! Company! Now I won’t get lonely ;).
(You can eat all the cake batter, as long as I get the chocolate. Sound good?)
Sharky says
Sure thing!
Hannah S says
I had a quick question. I’m a newly turned vegan living in NYC and have Ben having trouble finding good places to eat. Where do you find all these places? Word of mouth or certain websites?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I guess it’s a combination. I’ve been vegan so long that I’ve heard about a lot of them over the years. But if you read the comments on this post, a lot of people left great ideas! https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/07/18/healthy-eating-new-york-city/
Also, there’s Supervegan.com and happycow.net
megan says
Yeah, supervegan is the most up to date, though some restaurants fall through the cracks. It is so wonderful to live in a city where you can walk down the street and see a clapboard that says ‘vegan’ even though it isn’t a vegan or specialty restaurant. If you want something specific, like vegan pizza, in addition to supervegan you might want to search yelp, and NYT and New York Magazine often do little articles on this kind of thing. I still haven’t tried Paulie Gee’s, but I digress… And you might note that Vegan Drinks, a vegan meet up, is tomorrow night with food from http://lovebugkitchen.com/ if you are (over 21 and) looking to meet some new people. The organizers who put it together every month are absolutely awesome.
Lina says
There are so many amazing Vegan restauants in NYC! Check out Blossom, Candle 79 or Candle Cafe, Spring Street Natural, Rawlicious (Raw/Vegan), Sacred Chow… just to name a few classics. There are also so many great vegan shops and juice places!
Jamie says
Well, since I’ve sadly never eaten at any of the amazing vegan/vegan friendly restaurants in New York, I’m going to have to go with Mother’s Cafe in Austin. I could eat that place out of house and veggie burgers way too easily! The best I’ve had so far in my LIFE.
Mary says
Lula’s is the best! I went twice on my 3 day trip to new york and would have gone a third lol! Get the brownie sundae next time!
CJ at Food Stories says
These sound amazing 🙂
Tricia says
mmm… now I’m craving cake batter haha 🙂
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Is their whole menu vegan? How have I not heard about this place? It sounds like my lactose intolerant self’s heaven!!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Yes! 🙂
Terry says
If I could live at a bakery, hands-down it would be Vegan Treats in Pennsylvania (too bad I live in Virginia).
Megan says
Oatmeal-raisin cookie…that sounds heavenly. I could live at this vegetarian-vegan restaurant in my town. I’m not a vegetarian or a vegan, but I love vegetables and healthy foods. This place has the best salad dishes and smoothies and rice dishes. You leave that place and you’re just like, “My stomach is thanking me.”
Sami says
I am 100% obsessed with CherryBerry yogurt bar! I seriously think it is the best thing known to man, and while their yogurts are made with (fresh from the farm, kosher-certified) milk, their sorbets are a GREAT dairy-free option. Plus, I get to pick whatever toppings I want to add, whether I’m in a chocolately mood (they even have dark or carob chips if you’re super careful), or, as I am most of the time, in a fruit mood! (My fave is their Tropical Sorbet and Pink Lemonade Sorbet topped with coconut, granola, black-, rasp-, straw-, and blueberries! Maybe Kiwi and Pineapple if I’m really going all out!
My hubs, on the other hand, always goes for whatever indulgent chocolatey yogurts (normally swirling at least 3 together, like Cookie Monster, Chocoholic, Sea Salt Caramel Pretzel, etc) then tops it with brownies, cookie dough bites, magic shell, whipped cream, and anything else that catches his eye! haha
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
Wow! I want a Lulu’s in Texas too!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I really think they need to start selling pints of their ice cream.
megan says
They do! I know the Park Slope Food Coop sells them, though you have to be a member (http://foodcoop.com/files_lwg/lwg_2011_06_02_vFF_n11.pdf). I’m not sure of anywhere else for certain, but maybe the 4th Street Coop?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Haha well then maybe there’s hope they’ll someday sell in Texas ;).
Tanya @ Playful and hungry says
Katie, I am moving in with you! ; )
Lauren says
I honestly think I’d live at Whole Foods. I used to work there, and it was the best job I’ve ever had because I dealt directly with groceries. All day I’d imagine what recipes I could make, and on my dinner break, I’d be able to partake of the delicious salad bar!….and I got a discount, which you definitely need there!
Jen says
Have you gone to any restaurants you would recommend that aren’t Vegan? I know you’ve been going to a lot of Vegan ones but has your bf maybe gone to some he liked? I don’t honestly think my boyfriend would be so cool with eating vegan in a city with such amazing food, but you found yourself a good one!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Yes! I actually have more posts to write about that… I’m trying to space out my NYC posts (so I can keep posting recipes). I might not be done with them all for a month or so. But we’ve been to some non-vegan places including: John’s on 12th (they have a separate vegan menu), Fiddlesticks pub (I brought in a meal, and they were very gracious about letting me eat it there), Naked Pizza, Cafe Viva, etc.
Jen says
Naked Pizza? Sounds Yummy!!!!
Natalie says
Obviously I’m drooling about the ice cream (being one that appreciates good flavor always) (not a vegan/vegetarian) but that tahini sauce sounds awesome.
I got to duplicate that just based on your description… Any other pointers you can throw my way?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
It had miso… and was sweet. I’m thinking it was probably similar to a peanut sauce recipe, subbing tahini for the pb and maybe subbing miso for the salt. I want to recrceate it too, so if you have success please do share!
JEnny says
Ohh Katie, why didn’t you post this sunday? I left NY monday, and sinse I don’t even live in the states, but in Denmark, I can only lick you pictures
Alex @ Healthy Life Happy Wife says
I need to try Lula’s!! I’ve been meaning to but now with your raving review it is totally necessary!!
& if I could live at any restaurant it would be a Thai restaurant for sure! I love Thai food!
Katie @ Oh Shine On says
I really want to go to NYC now and check out all these happy noms you’ve had. My sister lives there and I’ll be making a list of all the places you’ve blogged about. Any recommendations, in particular?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I like all the ones I’ve blogged about. But Lula’s is the best :).
Dessert Darling says
Oooh! I’m heading to NY this week!!! PERFECT! I must try this healthy ice cream :))
Lily @ Candied-Life says
I LOVE LULA’S!
I am living in NYC this summer interning for Sarah Copeland of Edible Living, she is a cookbook author, recipe developer, and mostly vegetarian foodie/urban gardener.
I posted about my trip to Lula’s a few weeks back. Check out the brownie sundae I got:
http://candied-life.com/2012/07/07/finally-lulas/
(now seriously craving Lula’s, might have to go there tonight 🙂
alyx says
The Cookies n’ Creme tastes like Cookies n’ Creme! The cake batter tastes like cake batter! The snozzberries taste like snozzberries! Katie, are you perhaps a descendant of the illustrious Willie Wonka? It all adds up…
lynn @ the actor's diet says
yay! so glad you went there! i recently went to short cake in LA and am in love:
http://theactorsdiet.com/2012/07/20/short-cake/
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
Oh these sound so good. I’d live at the Thai restaurant near me that I’m absolutely obsessed with. It’s the best! And I’d only have to move right across the street 🙂
megan says
Another interesting vegan ice cream source in NYC is Klein’s in Brooklyn. It is in an orthodox Jewish neighborhood (so I’ve gotten some looks) and while kind of a small store they have a vegan section of ice cream and sell some premade frozen stuff that is vegan (I seem to remember eclairs and ice cream cake but it has been a few years). They probably sell those at Pomegranate, the biggest Kosher market in the US and also in Brooklyn.
Stogo is near Lula’s and is pretty good too, but doesn’t have quite the toppings selection or ambiance. I really miss Bonobos on 23rd b/c they were raw and had fruit based soft ice cream.
If still in NYC the one thing you might want to pick up and bring back with you are vegan white chocolate chips (http://innocentprimate.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/img_8343.jpg) since I don’t think they are widely available.
JJ says
Oooohmmyyygosh!!!!
Katie, PLEASECONVINCETHEMTOCOMETODALLAS!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!
Bailey @ Onederland or Bust! says
Cake batter ice cream ia my favourite!! I must go back to NYC to try this 😉
L says
Sounds amazing! I have a question tho, how can you eat all of these treats (like vegan pies, ice creams, and baked goods that you have shown in past NY posts) while not having a sweet tooth? Some of the items seem pretty sweet but I know you have said you always leave out sweetener when making things for yourself. Anyway, it looks like a great time was had 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Saying I don’t have a sweet tooth just means I don’t like my desserts super-sweet, and I’m not a big fan of candy or fruity desserts like sorbet. It doesn’t mean I don’t love dessert ;).
Melissa says
I LOVE Stogo! I don’t know what they use at Lula’s, but Stogo has a bunch that are coconut milk based which is awesome for someone like me who doesn’t digest soy well at ALL.
The next time you’re in NYC, check out The Natural Gourmet Institute’s Friday Night Dinner. Three courses, totally vegan, $40, byob.
Maureen says
I was in NY last year with friends and they took my husband and I to Candle 79. I was so much in heaven I nearly cried! There are no fully vegan restaurants in Johannesburg – might be one in Cape Town but that is a looooooooong way from me.. so actually going to a 5 star restaurant and being able to order ANYTHING on the menu… bliss.
Melissa says
Since you are in New York, have you tried anything from the Cinnamon Snail Food Truck yet? Their vegan sandwiches are sooooooo good! The only drawback is that there are really long lines, but that just means that the food is worth waiting for.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I didn’t get a chance 🙁
I needed a year to try everything I wanted to do! (Not to mention some vegan friends to try it all with me lol)
Melissa says
So. JEALOUS. I want to go to Lula’s so bad.
When I was in PDX, I went to Back to Eden bakery about 4 times in the 5 days we were there. 😉 I went to Native Foods 4 times in 3 days. When I like a place, I LIKE it. LOL.
Sarah @climbinvegan says
I’m so glad you went lulas! I told you how good it is…
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because says
Lula’s is SO GOOD!
Laura says
I seriously hope we have free time so I can go and enjoy this when we go next spring break for our music trip. It sounds so amazing!
Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola says
Omigosh another blogger I follow just went to NYC and went to Lulas and loved it too! How awesome that they make all of those fun flavors Vegan!! I wish they would come to CA!!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Lol I’d live in any good froyo place!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
I could live in pretty much any good Mexican restaurant and I’d be happy for life. 🙂
Lauren says
I’m so happy you went to Lula’s! It’s so fabulous. I go whenever I can. My favorite flavors are the cookies and cream and the mint chip. I honestly would die for the mint chip, anytime. I haven’t tried the cake batter but I will the next time I’m there.
So glad you enjoyed it. I knew you would!!
Lauren
http://www.brooklynnatural.blogspot.com
Anonymous says
Everything looks amazing.wish there was vegan soft serve near where I live I would be there all the time too!!
Vanilla bean vegan says
Looks awesome! Love the soft serve ice cream.
Erica @ Cult of Kale says
I wish I knew about this place when I was in NYC! We might go back for our anniversary in the winter so I will definitely be running over and eating lots of ice cream when I get there….
Jeanine @ The Blue Sash says
If they could fit a bed in the corner, I’d live at Vegan Treats in Bethlehem, PA. I am currently obsessed with their coconut custard donuts, chocolate silk pie, red velvet cake, carrot cake and a new fluffernutter cake. Living near Philly, I make a pilgrimage to Bethlehem about once a month, buy a bunch of stuff and freeze what I can to hold me over until the next trip!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I never got to go to the actual store, but I adored their pastries when I lived in Philly and some of the shops sold them. I remember a certain chocolate-chip cheesecake…
Alison says
Ohh gosh I TOTALLY need to go to this place and try the cake batter soft serve!!
Annie @ Naturally Sweet Recipes says
Thanks for the review! I think I would want to move there too!
Lina says
I love Lula’s! I used to work at the Organic Avenue close by and would run there on my lunch break… so not good for the waistline but oh so delicious! If you have oh about $16.00 to spare and want and AMAZING and huge sundae I wouldn’t miss Pure Food and Wine or One Lucky Duck (their take out place) on 17th and Irving Place. They have an amazing Mint Chip Sundae with Cashew Cream, Mint chip/Chocolate & Vanilla Ice Cream Chocolate sauce and the most crazy delicious raw fudge chunks. It is to LIVE for!
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal says
.oh yeah. I was gonna say “wow she’s sharing her address with us, just like that?!” haha. Looks like an awesome place, makes me crave some frozen treats
Lily Nightingale says
Did you try Lula’s Brownie Sundae with Rocky Road Ice Cream?
Believe me, if you’re still in NYC go and try it!
There’s an awesome sandwich place called ‘Terri’ near the Flatiron Building you pass the Home Depot and it’s around that corner. Loving Hut has also a superb vegan burger.
Hope you enjoyed your trip to NYC!
Kudos
Tina says
why did you opt out of the tofu?? as a vegan wouldnt you be aiming to consume as much protein as possible…this may be a contributor to your inability to put on weight. you need protein!!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hi Tina,
I don’t have a problem with soy, but I try not to go overboard because too much of a good thing is never a good idea. I’m such a fan of things like my chocolate pie (with tofu) or ranch dressing (also with tofu) or products that contain soy that if it’s easy to leave it out of something and not miss it, I usually will do so. (Then I don’t have to worry about eating it when I really do want it.) It’s a myth that vegans have trouble getting protein. As long as you’re getting enough calories to meet your energy needs, it would be very rare to not get enough protein.
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy says
ive lived in nyc for 2 years and i haven’t been to lulas!!! this needs to change! looks delicious!
Fiona @ Well-Fed Redhead says
I don’t really like Lula’s. I much prefer Stogo for my dairy-free ice cream. You should check it out, it’s on 9th Street and 2nd Ave!
Sarah L says
I thought you were going to say that you were moving in with your boyfriend at first! 😀 That sounds like such a cool place, I wish I could go there. (*Sits in a corner, jealous*) I really don’t have a lot of places I REALLY like, maybe because I’m spoiled with a mom that makes the most delicious food ever? 😉
Ashley Pomes says
I love Lula’s!! I would love to live there too. I love the chocolate peanut butter. It is my favorite. Even my dad said it was the best he ever had.
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Fiona @Everyday Spiritual Wisdom says
Hi Katie, I love love love your blog … but I have one really huge question. What do you mean when you write T? Is it tablespoons? I’m making your Chocolate Bar today 🙂 Really would love to know what T means 🙂 Thanks,x
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Yes, T is tablespoon. Hopefully in all my newer recipes, I’ve been remembering to use tbsp instead.
Fiona says
Brilliant thank you 🙂
I made the chocolate bar and wow oh wow!! It’s literally the most delicious chocolate I’ve eaten in ages!!! I’m going to buy some special things to set them in & start keeping a batch in the fridge for moments of sweet cravings 🙂
Thank you for your dedication to experimenting because I will personally benefit hugely!!! Thank you,x
Bek @ Crave says
I love soft serve ice cream! ahh it looks so good. It’s way too easy to inhale, ahh I mean eat 😉 I’d probably live at a whole foods store..aslong as it was next door to a Marble Slab haha!
Fiona @Everyday Spiritual Wisdom says
I tried to find an email address for you but didn’t succeed. I didn’t know if you’ve tried Banana ice-cream? I only found it out a couple of weeks ago and I you might like it… so here it is for you and your readers.
5 ripe banana’s
5 tablespoons of cream or milk or coconut milk or soya milk
Dollop of honey
Whizz in the blender until smooth and then freeze 🙂
Alternative: you can use chopped up frozen banana’s and it’ll be ready to eat straight away.
Fiona,x
Rachel's Cottage House says
mmmmm! that looks soooo good! need to go there someday!!!
Rachel says
If you’re ever in Los Angeles – http://kindkreme.com
Sabra says
Thanks for recommending Lula’s! I had never heard of it before, and now we’ve been there twice in the past two weeks. The peanut butter chip is AMAZING! If you haven’t tried them already, the next time you visit NYC consider Dirt Candy and Cafe Blossom (the one on Carmine St.) for dinner. Both are really yummy : )
Molly says
I just went here the other day thanks to this recommendation. Cookies and Cream Ice Cream = nectar of the vegan gods.
Have you made it to the little grocery/cafe Earth Matters in the lower east side? It’s unfortunately closing soon but it has a really great vegan/vegetarian selection of prepared foods.
Sarah @ bakeonthrough.com says
Katie- I can’t thank you enough for telling me about Lula’s. In a 36 hour trip to NYC, I had Lula’s THREE times. The mint chip? Amazing. Actually, it’s all amazing. I dreamed about it the night I got back from NYC. It’s a sick obsession. Did you know Cafe Blossom also serves Lula’s? I went there for brunch and got Lula’s as dessert!
Lily says
I would live @ Orange Leaf. It’s not vegan though.
Erica says
im kinda confused… do the cake batter and funfetti desserts you make have the same flavour? if yes, then i breath a sigh of relief. ive been calling your cake batter milkshake a funfetti milkshake for a while now!
Janet Paula says
Do you have Lula’s ice cream recipe. I live abroad so I’m afraid I won’t be able to visit in order to get a first hand taste. Thanks.