The summer heat is definitely on so what better way to celebrate one of the perfect treats of the season: Ice cream! All this week NY1's Roger Clark is embarking on a five borough ice cream tour to highlight some favorite city spots that put a spin on the classics.

Island Pops

Stop #1: Island Pops

Island Pops in Crown Heights brings some favorite flavors from the caribbean straight to Brooklyn.

The shop was first opened by Trinidad natives Khalid Hamid and his wife Shelly Marshall, and it was a bit of an accident.

When Shelly was sick and couldn't find a taste of home, she took matters into her own hands.

Rum and raisin, coffee and saltine crackers, are all West Indian Favorites that make the cut.

Chinatown ice cream

Stop #2: Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

For more than four decades, exotic flavors are the regulars at this Lower Manhattan shop.

The Chinatown Ice Cream Factory has been scooping up the classics like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry since 1978.

But how about some black sesame or lychee rose?

It's the foreign influences that bring ice cream connoisseurs from all over to this location.

The owners say it's the different flavors that appeal to both the Asian and non-Asian communities that have kept them in business for so long.

Ice King

Stop #3: The Lemon Ice King of Corona 

In Corona, Queens the Lemon Ice King seems to be the gem of the neighborhood.

The stand opened on 108th street and 52nd Avenue in 1944 by Italian immigrant Nicola Benfaremo.

At the time, he only sold lemon and pineapple ices. 

Benfaremo's son Pete joined the business when he came back from World War II and that's when he became the Lemon Ice King. 

Pete Benfaremo sold the business in 1993, but the new owners say they never skimp on the quality. 

Benfaremo oversaw the operation from his special throne for 15 years after the buyout until he died in 2008. 

Now there are tons of flavors and all are still made on premises with pieces of real fruit.

But you're not allowed to mix the flavors in the cup. That's considered a no no.

Egger's

Stop #4: Egger's Ice Cream Parlor

This Staten Island ice cream shop has stood the test of time, serving up scoops for more than eight decades.

Egger's is known for their homemade chocolate, candies and ice cream. But it's their signature sundaes that keep Staten Islanders coming back.

Banana splits, rich brownie sundaes and ice cream floats are among the favorites.

While the old fashioned ice cream parlor look can be found in historic Richmond Town, Egger's first location is on the north shore in Westerleigh.

 

Stop #5: Lollipops Ice Cream And Gelato

A lawyer and teacher by trade, Andrea Grant started the business with her sister eight years ago - mainly to provide the neighborhood with more selections when it came to ice cream.

They decided to go with the classic Italian version, gelato. The shop offers Caribbean-inspired flavors like soursop and rum raisin - appealing to the West Indian community.

There's also Asian flavors like wasabi lychee rose, and more traditional flavors like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.

They will even make a flavor by request - if it's reasonable.

 

 

Ice Cream