If a toy could create an ice cream flavor, what would it be? Would it have a vanilla base, and crumbles of vanilla cookies and chocolate cookies? What about a chocolate fudge swirl? Even more, what if the ice cream is made from oat milk, so that it's rich and luscious and has all the flavor of dairy but can be devoured by everybody, including kiddos with lactose issues?
Photograph: Courtesy Andrea Massaad
Say hello to FAO Schwirl, a limited-release holiday ice cream from the iconic toy store FAO Schwarz and Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream. Talk about a dream team: The collab matches one of the best toy stores in NYC with one of the best ice cream shops in NYC for kids. Who knew an ice cream excursion could be one of the best indoor activities for NYC kids this winter?
The flavor is an homage to New York City, a black-and-white cookie on a cone. Or in a cup. (Cones are better.) It's bound to be a hit, but hold your hobbyhorses—the ice cream will appear in Van Leeuwen scoop shops from Nov 20 to Jan 19 (or until they run out). Our advice? Set a calendar alert on your phone now!
Bonus: You get an FAO Schwarz mystery-value gift card with the purchase of every FAO Schwirl at anyVan Leeuwen location. It's a little like Willa Wonka's golden ticket, only everybody wins.
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