Diet & Budget Tip #1 — Kiddie Cones!

Okay, seriously. I'm dedicating my life to health and fitness, but it's really hot outside. I don't want to use my AC because it costs too much, and I'm on a budget. So I need ice cream. I've read that when it comes to eating ice cream, if you want health and fitness, you shouldn't buy it from the grocery store. If you buy that pint, then you might eat the entire thing in one sitting (I'm talking to you, Brian!). That's why it's better to buy ice cream at places that offer a kid sized scoop. It's smaller and cheaper. And in this case, that's better! Two places that provide this virtuous size are the Cupcake Cafe at Books of Wonder(18 W 18th St bw 5th/6th Ave.) and Ronnybrook Milk Bar (75 9th Ave bw 15th/16th St.).
Don't be tempted by the cupcakes at Cupcake Cafe housed at the children's bookstore, Books of Wonder. They are beautiful, but ultimately, it's just butter flavored flowers on top of dry cupcakes. Really. You don't need them. Instead, opt for the Nelson's ice cream. I did an internet search, though I should have just asked the woman at the counter where Nelson's is from. The first google entry said it's an ice cream parlor in Pennsylvania. So it's almost local. No matter, the taste is quite good. Creamy, sweet, cold. Everything you want ice cream to be. And the price? A yummy $1.50. I got the flavor of the day, blackberry and the cream mellows the tanginess of blackberry quite nicely.
The kids cone at Ronnybrook Milk Bar is listed at a $1.75, a quarter more, but Ronnybrook has more flavors and the stuff is made in house. Plus, they just renovated their space at the Chelsea Market and something has to pay the bills. If you haven't been to the new Milk Bar, check it out. It's a really nice example of new retro design. The walls are covered with wooden milkcrates and the menu is written on a long chalkboard. There's a round shaped bar complete with 1950's stools. I haven't had any of their food yet, but it's at the top of my list. I can't wait to try their eggs in a hole with Applewood Smoked Bacon and melted Grafton Cheddar on Rye. Check out the rest of their menu, and let me know when you want to meet up there for lunch. Pictured is the ginger creme brulee. The first taste is an almost egg nog flavored cream, then tiny flecks of ginger heat up the back of your throat as you swallow. I can't wait to try all of their flavors!