INSIDE SCOOP

  10 Roundhouse Rd, Piermont, NY 10968

85 S Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960

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  As much as we all want to never hear the word ‘pandemic’ again, it still pops up relating to businesses that were brave enough to go through with their openings at that time. It was hard enough for established and prosperous shops to make it through this time, but to open your doors with no customer base, counting on a wing and a prayer besides all the hard work, determination and belief in your product that go along with that, one must have strong shoulders and sticktoitness.

Such was the case with Lorraine Li, who opened Piermont Creamery in October, 2019 in Piermont, NY. As I always say, there is no season for ice cream, it is always, but many shops do close down for the winter months, as did Piermont Creamery. When the doors reopened in March, 2020, they did not stay that way for very long. Lorraine’s mantra at this time was ‘one day at a time, one scoop at a time. Just stay in the present’. Having put her life savings into this shop, she initially survived by selling takeout orders and slowly opening to customers, giving them an opportunity to socialize. As the weather grew warmer, more and more people came out and, with luck, courage and vision, Piermont Creamery thrived and grew into the success it is today.

Born in Guangdong province in China, Lorraine immigrated to the United States with her family when she was 12. She grew up spending time in her family’s restaurants and, as an adult, decided to channel that knowledge into ice cream, a simpler option than a full-scale restaurant.

In 2021, Lorraine opened a second shop in Nyack and, in 2022, moved to the current location across from Flywheel Park, a perfect spot for ice cream as you walk the park or along the Hudson. Piermont is somewhat of a foodie town, and Lorraine saw the need for an ice cream shop, especially one that makes its own ice cream.

Lorraine has carved a niche in Piermont and Nyack with artisanal small-batch ice cream, churning up some exceptional flavors. Keeping things simple has worked well – starting with a base formula, changing the flavor and adding in the mixins. In addition, as you will smell when you enter the shop, she makes fresh waffle cones.

We discovered Piermont Creamery after a day of research and a stop at the 1776 House in Tappan, NY. While enjoying the meal and surrounding history, I figured I’d see if there was any great ice cream nearby. As it happened, Piermont was a mere 2.5 miles to the east. It being one of the nicer days we’ve seen this spring, off we went for dessert.

Flywheel Park is so named, as you will see, for the flywheel prominently displayed. This flywheel was part of the Piermont Paper Company which operated in the early 1900s. Long story short (you can read the full story there) – when they demolished the factory to begin revitalization for Piermont Landing, the wrecking ball kept bouncing off the flywheel. It was finally decided to just leave it as a monument to Piermont’s industrial past.

In addition to the patrons of the park and the Hudson boardwalk, Piermont Creamery is frequented by hikers, bikers (of the peddle type) and daytrippers and now by Backroads’ readers. Lorraine has developed very loyal customers, many of whom scoop up pints at the end of her season (Lorraine – there is no ‘season’) to last them until reopening in spring.

The shop is bright, with a few seats right outside. We perused the blackboard outside to see what flavors were available this day – there are 20 offered daily on rotation – and I was immediately taken with Honey Fresh Ginger. Lorraine will happily give you a taste of whichever you’d like before making your decision. I did taste the Rum Raisan but ultimately opted for Honey Fresh Ginger and Butter Pecan. Brian was drawn to Strong Coffee and Irish Cream Chocolate Chip (not for kids).

We took a seat on the bench and struck up a conversation with a gentleman who rode in on a tandem bicycle – which we found out he used to take the blind for rides. It was a very snazzy bicycle indeed and used for a noble cause.

The ice cream was delicious; the honey ginger subtle, not overly sweet and a perfect consistency. The coffee was probably the best I have ever tasted – strong, creamy and just about perfect. I’m sure that any of Lorraine’s flavors would be just as satisfying, whether in a cup, cone or spun up into a milkshake.

Should you find yourself spinning up the Hudson on a beautiful summer’s day, make a point of vectoring towards Piermont, or Nyack, and have a taste for yourself.