A.B. Biagi

Pain gelato at A.B. Biagi

Pain gelato at A.B. Biagi

There's a new ice cream sandwich in town and it's held together by much more than just two cookies. Meet A.B. Biagi's pain gelato, a magnificent new creation that smushes ice cream between a brioche bun by Brooklyn's Bien Cuit bakery. The entire thing is quickly warmed in a waffle iron-like press, which toasts up the bread and seals in the ice cream (in my case, an orange blossom bun with amaretti gelato). At $8 a pop, it's a little pricey, but definitely worth a splurge this summer.

A.B. Biagi, 235 Elizabeth St. between Prince St. and E. Houston (212-219-8094)

Weekend Reading: Ice Cream + Donuts Edition

Vanilla + Thai iced tea in a waffle cone at Oddfellows Ice Cream Co.

Vanilla + Thai iced tea in a waffle cone at Oddfellows Ice Cream Co.

Reviving Friday links because I've spotted a ton of coverage on two of my favorite things: ice cream + doughnuts. I've been making my rounds to the many scoops shops that have popped up over the last year (see here and above) and still have plenty more on my summer bucket list, including Davey's in the East Village and A.B. Biagi for what sounds to be the most amazing ice cream sandwich known to man. Here's to a season of happy, sugar-fueled ice cream hunting!

Tasting Table's 13 favorite scoops include the funky (but delicious) concoctions at Oddfellows Ice Cream Co. and Bklyn Larder's dreamy fior di latte gelato.

There's a similar round-up over at Refinery 29 — they're also loving the newly-opened Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream (try the lemon-vanilla and red-raspberry sorbet together, trust me) and the always-satisfying Salty Pimp at Big Gay Ice Cream.

If you're looking for more than just a cone, Brooklyn Mag looks at five over-the-top sundaes that will satisfy all your sugar cravings.

It's National Doughnut Day, so amNY had staff choose their favorite fried and glazed treats. My picks: the honey-glazed at Donut Pub and café au lait at Dough.

Finally, Parade's got 13 pieces of little-known facts about the confection from yes, a doughnut book.

(End of) Weekend Reading

Carrots Wellington at Narcissa

Hope you had a great weekend! A few great reads for your Monday morning commute:

The NY Times had a spectacular bread issue out last week, with Pete Wells calling for the return of bread baskets and Jeff Gordinier speaking to some of the top bakers in the nation about their obsessive craft.

Are you also dreaming of summer? BuzzFeed rounds up 44 frozen treats you need to try when it finally rolls around.

This insider's guide to Ho Chi Minh City is why Vietnam is on the very top of my travel list.

My latest for Zagat: 10 amazing vegetable dishes in New York City. Believe me, you won't be missing the meat.

Finally, we're just a week away from the NYC Bake Sale for No Kid Hungry. Check out what the bakers are making and don't forget to swing by on Saturday!

Weekend Reading

Salted crack caramel at Ample Hills

Salted crack caramel at Ample Hills

What a gorgeous weekend! I spent both days in Brooklyn, grabbing coffee with my cousin Kevin at Milk & Honey Cafe on Saturday afternoon, then in the kitchen for most of Sunday testing out recipes for an upcoming project. More details on that to come — meanwhile, here are some reads to catch up on during your Monday morning commute.

Ice cream season is finally here and A Fork in the Road chats with the owners of Ample Hills Creamery — purveyors of the aptly-named salted crack caramel — about their popularity and upcoming expansion. 

Like Girl Scout Cookies, Mallomacs are available just once a year. WNYC follows one fan on his quest to find the chocolate-covered treat.

Gothamist has a fascinating interview with bitters expert Mark Bitterman (that's really his name!) on the herbaceous tinctures typically used in cocktails.

Former TONY editrix Jordana Rothman looks at the legendary families of the restaurant world, including Brooklyn's own Di Fara's.

Finally, head over to Ms. I-Hua for a two-part photo tour of Penang, Malaysia — the first is full of mouthwatering food shots.