If you've been a fan of this blog for any length of time, you probably know that out of all of the ice cream I've consumed since the inception of A (soy) Bean, Lula's Sweet Apothecary has been my demonstrated favorite by a landslide, which is why I dubbed it The Best Ice Cream Shop in the Universe. TBICSITU was not only a fitting description, but it also helped bridge the awkward reference gap between the original Lula's shop 2009 - 2013 and the eventual "Blythe Anne's" 2014 - 2016.
A little known fact that's been hiding in plain sight, unchanged since 2009, is that the proprietor of Lula's, Blythe, had no small part in this blog coming to fruition. More than that, though, is that I came to Lula's in the first place rather out of character- having been suffering through a depression for some time that included not eating very much as an unconscious side effect. There was just something about the promise of all of my childhood (and, let's face it: adulthood) dreams coming to fruition- vegan style, in a quaint but stately little shop in the East Village, that immediately drew me in. More than once I found myself (and, oftentimes my family) sitting outside the shop waiting for 3:00pm when the black curtain would be lifted and the shop opened for business.
Ironically, it was at Lula's counter: first running front to back and then, post renovation, side to side, that I began making friends again. Having lost many when I couldn't be a very good one myself, these friends were the catalyst to my current community, for which I am extraordinarily grateful.
All of this is to say that Blythe Anne's, formerly Lula's, has just shuttered for good and what that means is that we've lost a gem in this vegan world of ours.
A little known fact that's been hiding in plain sight, unchanged since 2009, is that the proprietor of Lula's, Blythe, had no small part in this blog coming to fruition. More than that, though, is that I came to Lula's in the first place rather out of character- having been suffering through a depression for some time that included not eating very much as an unconscious side effect. There was just something about the promise of all of my childhood (and, let's face it: adulthood) dreams coming to fruition- vegan style, in a quaint but stately little shop in the East Village, that immediately drew me in. More than once I found myself (and, oftentimes my family) sitting outside the shop waiting for 3:00pm when the black curtain would be lifted and the shop opened for business.
Ironically, it was at Lula's counter: first running front to back and then, post renovation, side to side, that I began making friends again. Having lost many when I couldn't be a very good one myself, these friends were the catalyst to my current community, for which I am extraordinarily grateful.
All of this is to say that Blythe Anne's, formerly Lula's, has just shuttered for good and what that means is that we've lost a gem in this vegan world of ours.
Lula's was such an important place in my social transformation too! My vegan world grew so much once I met Blythe! I will miss it.
ReplyDeleteDitto, my friend.
DeleteI can't believe what I'm reading. Very sad day indeed, however I will always have lots of great memories, believe it or not, but their sound track which was only roughly 60 songs long is still partly stuck in my head... Thanks Lulas for everything!
ReplyDelete:-)
DeleteSad news. Lula's had probably the best vegan ice cream I've ever had, and without a doubt the best overall experience.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree. Their aesthetic has since been replicated the world over, but their original attention to detail is unmatched.
DeleteWhy must all the good things go away? :( Glad you were able to enjoy it while you could!
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteOh no! I have fond memories of that place.
ReplyDeleteA true original!
DeleteSuch a sweet review. I didn't spend as much time as you at Lula's due to the operating hours that always didn't match my time downtown.
ReplyDeleteHopefully the friends and the memories you made continue on. NYC is continually changing. It hurts so much to see old favorites go. We can only only hope something new and wonderful replaces the old.
Well said!
DeleteSo where do we go for ice cream this coming summer then??
ReplyDeleteGreat question! Suggestions welcome.
DeleteAww... I'm gonna miss our late night lula hang outs!
ReplyDeleteMe too, Pecan. sniffle sniffle.
DeleteAt least Ben & Jerry's finally got on the Almond Milk bandwagon. I know that is little consolation, but it is a new indulgence to explore.
ReplyDeleteIt was funny that both happened on the same day! I'm generally partial to cashew & coconut milk bases, but the B&J flavors look really great.
DeleteI'm sorry it's closed my friend! I always wanted to go...
ReplyDeletexo
kittee
Are you serious? I've only been to Lula's vicariously through your blog, and others', but my impression of it as a fantastic place is sealed in your enthusiastic descriptions. How sad when our favorite places, especially those that held an important place in our lives, disappear.
ReplyDeleteI'll confess that i am not a loyal customer in the winter, yet i am still so sad that it's been a few months since i was last there- i feel like if i had know it was my last visit i would have at least ordered a sundae!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a loss to the city...
Ttrockwood
Oh no! I didn't go there often, as it had such weird hours but it was pretty cool that it existed.
ReplyDeleteAt least you still have the friends you made there. And some delicious photos to look back on.
I walked past their store on Friday to find it closed and empty. Very disappointing. I've been a huge fan of theirs since they first opened but their hours were awful. They opened incredibly late on the weekends (3pm) and had times when they were only open 3-4 days out of the week. This seems to be a common thread with vegan spots. It's sad that 6th st has changed so much. Lan Cafe closed last year (best soups I've ever had) and now Lulas.
ReplyDelete