New City Microcreamery, a delightful ice cream haven, has recently opened its doors in Arlington. Here's a glimpse into this unique establishment.
Location: Nestled in the heart of Arlington Center, New City Microcreamery invites you to indulge in a taste of summer, no matter the weather. It's a part of an expanding local ice cream empire.
The Story Behind: Co-owner Michael Kasseris, a Belmont native, comes from a restaurant family. His father, Theo, owned Theo’s Pizzeria with locations across the suburbs. Kasseris' fondest memories include enjoying ice cream at the legendary Bailey’s ice cream parlor on Leonard Street and exploring the libraries on Arlington's Mass Avenue, just a short stroll from his newest venture.
Initially, Kasseris opened New City in Hudson as a companion to his successful Rail Trail Flatbread Company. However, despite his family's pizza legacy, his parents weren't keen on him following in their footsteps. Kasseris pursued both education and his passion, earning an MBA from Babson College and crafting a business plan centered around pizza and ice cream shops. Today, New City boasts locations in Cambridge, Chestnut Hill, Sudbury, Hudson, and the brand-new Arlington spot.
Kasseris strategically chose these locations with a communal philosophy in mind, aiming to be a 'third space' for communities and families. While he'd love to be in trendy neighborhoods someday, his priority is places with families, dining options, and walkability, those with an 'X factor'.
What to Indulge In: The star of the show is the scratch-made ice cream, crafted with dairy from Hadley’s Mapleline Farm. It's frozen using liquid nitrogen, resulting in a dense, almost chewy texture that Kasseris describes as 'very New England'. Kasseris' global travels, from San Francisco to Europe, inspired him to learn about various ice cream-making techniques.
Collaborating with pastry chefs Tom Kepner and Alyssa Lieberman, who experimented with liquid nitrogen and frozen emulsions at Craigie on Main, has led to imaginative flavors. Try the signature nutty baklava, the golden Dubai chocolate with a spicy caramel base and peppery pistachios, or the salted cookies and cream with homemade Oreos coated in salted fudge. There's also a range of classic flavors like chocolate and mint chip, along with vegan options. The generous scoops are a delight, and the $4.75 kiddie cup is surprisingly substantial.
What to Sip: New City offers floats, milkshakes, and seasonal specials like the Dubai chocolate mocha and red velvet 'hawt' chocolate.
Takeaway: New City Microcreamery is an innovative ice cream parlor, perfect for families, offering flavors that cater to both kids and adventurous adults. Located at 311 Broadway in Arlington, it's a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a delightful ice cream experience. For more information, visit www.newcitymicrocreamery.com.
For inquiries or to share your thoughts, contact Kara Baskin at kara.baskin@globe.com or follow her on Twitter @kcbaskin.
