Fact: There are few foods that are more universally-loved than ice cream. But in recent years, a lot of interesting alternatives to ice cream have popped up. One such example is the rice pudding at Rice Cream Shoppe, inspired by ice cream with nearly two dozen flavors of rice pudding available at all times.
Located at 195 Bleecker Street, Rice Cream Shoppe was opened in February 2016 by partners Vincent Caracciolo and Carmen Cioffi. Rice Cream Shoppe has already received rave reviews from a wide array of media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Gothamist, CBS, and the New York Daily News. While that press generally focused on the delicious options available at the store, it ought to be emphasized that the Rice Cream Shoppe offers vegan, low-fat and gluten-free flavors and toppings.
Carmen –- who was behind the opening of Jersey establishments like Brix 67, Soho 33, and Cioffi’s Boardwalk -– spoke to Downtown about the store’s past, present and future. For more info on Rice Cream Shoppe, click on over here; the shop is also on Twitter.
To someone who hasn’t yet been to the Rice Cream Shoppe, how would you describe?
Carmen Cioffi: It’s a rice pudding lover’s paradise! We have 20 delicious ice cream-inspired flavors to choose from – 18 of which are gluten-free, and six are vegan — so we really do offer something for everyone. Also, our rice pudding is very rich and creamy, similar to regular pudding.
Where did the inspiration for the Rice Pudding Pocket come from?
C: We wanted something that went beyond the bowl…something easy to eat, carry and delicious. We started with the idea of making something similar to an ice cream sandwich by putting the pudding between two cookies, and that sparked the thought of the brioche, and the Rice Pudding Pocket was born.
How did you come up with your recipe from rice pudding? Did it come from your family?
C: The base is a family recipe and then we got creative with the flavors and adjusted the recipe where necessary.
Do you remember the first time you ever had rice pudding?
C: Can’t forget it! I was a little kid and it was delicious – I wanted to lick the bowl!
Sweets aside, do you have a favorite kind of rice?
C: Well, I love risotto, so I would have to say Arborio.
Coming from New Jersey, what led you to opening your store downtown on Bleecker Street?
C: We felt like it was time to branch out and saw the need for another rice pudding place in the city. Bleecker Street has a great vibe and a lot of street traffic. The location attracts a variety of rice pudding fans – from families and hipsters to area residents and tourists.
Do you have a favorite restaurant near your shop? Or at least a go-to lunch place to recommend?
C: I don’t get to go out often, but when I do, you can’t beat John’s or Keste for a delicious pizza. I’ve also been to by Chloe two or three times. They’re our neighbors, so I like to stop in.
Do you have any goals for the store? Is the aim to start selling your products in stores? Or to have a second location?
C: We would like to expand and grow with more locations in the city and maybe New Jersey. But for now, we are focusing on this location and setting up the system to sell our rice pudding online.
When you’re not busy with the Rice Cream Shoppe, how do you like to spend your free time?
C: I’ll have to get back to you on that one — I haven’t had free time since we opened in February!
Finally, Carmen, any last words for the kids?
C: Peace, love and rice pudding.
