If a local ice cream store can survive a Manhattan winter, then there must be something special about it. After stepping into CoolMess for just a few minutes, it became clear how this place was able to successfully serve frozen treats during their opening in January of 2016. CoolMess does not go out of season: The brightly colored, sprinkle-spattered walls make this ice cream store irresistibly fun for kids, parents, and anyone else with a sweet tooth, any time of the year.
CoolMess is a modern day ice cream parlor that provides more than just ice cream. As the co-owner and founder Marguerite Loucas says, “It’s old in concept in that it’s family oriented but it’s modern and fresh.” At CoolMess, customers make their own ice cream with assistance from ice cream consultants. Ice cream lovers get to choose their base, either vanilla or chocolate, and then select toppings which are mixed into the ice cream.
Marguerite originated the idea for CoolMess while she was looking for activities for her three children served more than just pizza. “When we thought of this idea, I was sitting with five of my best friends. We designed it for the mothers.” She wanted a place where adults and children could both be happy. Once she had conceived of the idea, she got to work testing the business out of her own home. She would invite all the neighborhood kids over to her house and spend hours making ice cream and experimenting with different bases and toppings. Marguerite joined forces with her niece, Margot, to open their first location. Marguerite is no stranger to the culinary business, as her family owns Burger Heaven, a successful New York City chain that has been in her family for four generations. Together, Margot and Marguerite placed CoolMess directly above Burger Heaven’s Upper East Side location. Customers at CoolMess can enjoy Burger Heaven's full menu, in case anyone is hungry for more than simply ice cream. They even have a liquor license, making hosting a party at CoolMess suitable for all ages.
CoolMess serves a selection of mostly local toppings, such as Fatwitch Brownie and Cookie DŌ, to mix into an ice cream base itself is Blue Marble. The texture is so smooth and delicate that it nearly melts in your mouth. Two members of the Manhattan Sideways team, Emily and Tom, made one the store’s favorites, cookie dough with a vanilla base, as well as espresso with a chocolate base. While the process of making the ice cream is an easy task (simply pour in the cream and let the ice cream machine work its magic), it is still rewarding to devour a creation that one has had a hand in creating.
CoolMess is the ideal spot for birthday parties, baby showers and any other celebration. Laughing, Marguerite shared that they like to offer the mother hosting a kid’s birthday party a margarita as soon as she steps inside the door. When I asked Marguerite her favorite thing about CoolMess she instantly responded, “It’s such a happy place. The kids literally jump when they walk in.” She then added, “Who doesn’t love ice cream?”