After winning the lease to Tavern on the Green in Central Park, the restaurant's would-be owner walked away the project when a dispute with the union proved irreconcilable. The restaurant, located in a former sheepfold, has been empty since January, when the previous owner was forced out by the Bloomberg administration at the end of last year. It's no great loss considering the mediocre, overpriced food, but it is a waste of a beautiful space. So as the city considers new proposals, it's bringing in a variety of food vendors to work Tavern's outdoor terrace, facing the Sheep Meadow. more ›

The eagle-eyed Zoe Schlanger took to Twitter 20 minutes ago to let her group of followers know: "Van Leeuwen truck giving out free ice cream courtesy of Coach on 84th & Bway. Unannounced, no line." And with that, we say STORM THE TRUCK! (She also mentioned there's a earl grey black tea flavor, which sounds delightful.) more ›

Now that the warm weather is bringing food truck patrons out of hibernation, some brick-and-mortar restaurants have begun complaining about their mobile competition. Brooklyn Paper reports on growing tension on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn, a hot spot of truck activity with favorites like Endless Summer and Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream, where restaurant owners are blaming the trucks for bad business. more ›

[UPDATE BELOW] More reports of Mister Softee's violent threats against rival ice cream trucks have surfaced. And this time the target is the infinitely superior ice cream purveyor Van Leeuwen, whose Twitter feed announces, "Truck had to leave midtown :( . There were 3 Mr. Softie Trucks threatening our drivers life. Scary stuff! Sorry guys, maybe another time." Or maybe you just stay off Softee's turf and your fancy trucks don't accidentally burst into flames, capisce? more ›

This summer the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Trucks (there are two now) have successfully elbowed their way into New York City's booming "dessert truck" market by peddling a creamy, gourmet ice cream that makes Kool Man look like Fool Man. Made with meticulously sourced ingredients and an emphasis on sustainability (the ice cream comes in cups produced from Bagasse, a chemical-free fiber made from sugar cane; the spoons are made from cornhusks), it's a dessert that's as delicious as it is conscientious. Benjamin Van Leeuwen, the young founder of the company, recently told us a little bit about what sets his artisanal product apart from the others. more ›

The Van Leeuwen Artisan ice cream truck rolled up to DUMBO for a couple hours this afternoon, affording Gothamist a taste of creamy ecstasy. And not a moment too soon; driver Dan Suarez told us that a turf war had already broken out on Main Street with rival truck Tommy’s Ice Cream, whose owner told Dan he’s been working the block for four years. more ›

Start sweating, Mister Softee. As promised earlier this month, artisanal ice cream company Van Leeuwen has brought high quality scoops to the city's streets at last. Soho is the first neighborhood to have their screams answered; scoops (starting at $3.50) are being dished out as you read this near the intersection of Greene and Prince Streets. Van Leeuwen reps tell us the truck will be there daily from noon to 7 p.m., including weekends – barring any savage turf wars with rival sweet pushers. more ›