GREENWICH VILLAGE — Village sweet-tooths suffered some crushing losses in recent months, with the disappearance of Caffe Dante's creamy cannoli and Chocolate Bar's velvety drinkable chocolate.
But two newcomers should provide some comfort for candy lovers: Dominique Ansel's latest venture is now open on Seventh Avenue South, and a Van Leeuwen Ice Cream popped up on the corner of West 10th Street and Waverly Place just in time for summer.
Dominique Ansel Kitchen, at 137 Seventh Ave. South, fits well in its blue-shuttered, blue-trimmed stone building, with timely outdoor tables for diners to consume their made-to-order chocolate mousse and emulsified lemon yuzu butter tart while basking in the sun on warm days.
The location has large windows for passersby to observe the chefs at work, and indoor seating is available on wooden bleacher-style tiers. Confections include a standard breakfast croissant ($3) and a decadent extra fluffy mille feuille ($7.75). Ansel is also cooking up savory bites, like a edamame avocado toast with fresh ricotta ($8.50).
Just a few blocks away is Brooklyn-based Van Leeuwen, whose daisy-yellow trucks are a frequent sight in the area.
The ice cream and coffee shop at 152 West 10th St. is replacing the restaurant Momo, and offers three small tables inside and some benches outdoors.
Coffee drink prices range from $1.75 small cup of hot coffee to a $5.50 affogato of ice cream and espresso. Other ice cream offerings are a $5.50 two-scoop small cup or cone to a $7.50 three-scoop large, with a not-to-be missed honeycomb ice cream sundae special.
