When New Yorkers willingly wait in line, it’s a big deal. When they willingly wait in line in freezing January temperatures to get into an ice cream shop, of all things, it’s an even bigger deal. Enter Sasha Zabar, son of NYC food industry icon Eli Zabar and founder of Glace, a viral dessert sensation that started at a shop on the Upper East Side and expanded with an ice cream truck at Rockefeller Center this summer.
“In my opinion, there is nowhere more iconic than Rock Center,” Zabar tells The Center Magazine, “and we're fortunate to be serving ice cream in the middle of this magical, 1920s Art Deco time capsule.” Inspired by a vintage French Citroen, Glace’s truck is certainly Instagrammable, but this dessert purveyor is more than just a passing social media trend.
Photo by Noah Fecks
“We became famous for our viral s'mores hot chocolate, but the origins of Glace started as an ice cream shop,” Zabar says. “When we aren't dreaming about new, exciting dessert creations, we are refining and perfecting our ice cream recipes.”
Photo by Noah Fecks
Like his father, Eli Zabar, he has an eye for European technique and top-tier ingredients. “My dad was ahead of his time by translating what was happening in Europe to the food world in NYC and the importance of quality above all else,” Zabar explains. At Glace, Meyer lemons are grown in a greenhouse on 91st Street, nuts are ground and roasted in house, and the team has studied ice cream makers in France and Italy.
Still, for those looking to trade licks for “likes,” Glace is serving a frozen version of its viral hot chocolate as the temperatures rise. Zabar’s go-to treat, however, is the “Fifty Fifty, which is half soft serve, half slushy.” He advises it’s best enjoyed “Japanese creamsicle” style: half vanilla soft serve, half yuzu lemonade slushy. Below, Zabar shares more of his insider tips on the best ways to make the most of summertime in New York City.
Get to the park early.
Zabar’s favorite summer activity in the city is taking his dog, Yoshi, to Central Park for off-leash hours before 9 am. “It is a great way to start the morning, and I love seeing the park turn into a city of dogs!” he says.
Don’t underestimate Rockefeller Center.
When asked about the most underrated outdoor space in the city, Zabar was quick to respond: “Rock Center.” Prior to Tishman Speyer's revival, he said, it was busy with tourists and office workers, but not necessarily a gathering place for locals. “Now, when I tell people to come visit us at Rock Center, they rave about the new restaurants and say they've been recently or it has been on their list to check out,” he says, adding that it has “amazing programming” in the summer. “Concerts, art, and cultural activities … there is something for everyone.”
Go uptown to beat the crowds.
If you’re looking for quiet time without leaving the city, take Zabar’s advice and head to the Upper East Side. As he put it, “it is basically a ghost town” — in a good way.
Remember wine bars are not just for winter.
One of Zabar’s favorite summertime bars is Eli's Essentials and Wine Bar, which belongs to his dad and is right next to Glace’s shop on 91st Street. “The food is delicious and the wine list is amazing,” he says.
Stay cool at the movies.
Going to the movie theater is one of Zabar’s favorite things to do — and there may be no better way to cool down on a humid day in the city. Of course, treating yourself while you’re there is essential. “Nothing better than an ice-cold room, a big bag of popcorn, and cookie dough bites … a guilty pleasure.”
Dress for comfort.
Although Zabar doesn’t have much time to shop — “I am often covered in marshmallow fluff and ice cream,” he said — he is a big fan of wearing James Perse in the summer. “Their clothing is easy to wear and comfortable,” and the brand has multiple stores throughout New York City.
The Glace truck is open on Center Plaza every day from 12pm to 7pm.
