Creme and Sugar Ice Cream Brings a Taste of Peru to Ridgewood
Jonathan Alvarado was brought to New York from Peru when he was three. Fondly remembering the indigenous and native fruits of his homeland, he decided to share his culinary culture with Ridgewood, where he was raised. He opened his ice cream shop, Creme&Sugar, three years ago, while maintaining a full-time job as a veterinary technician at the Bushwick Veterinary Center.
“Back in the early ’90s there was a huge Peruvian population in Queens, and there were a lot more products being imported,” Alvarado reminisced. “I remember eating lucuma ice cream growing up here.”
He taught himself how to make ice cream and developed all the recipes, without any formal culinary education. Creating flavors inspired by his background, Alvarado imports high-quality produce from Peru, where lucuma, maracuya and cherimoya are common ingredients.
“Lucuma is so available that people just make icees at home and sell them out of the door,” said Alvarado. “It has a very unique flavor. It looks like an orange avocado, it has a butter pecan flavor to it and it grows year-round in Peru.”
The lucuma has a sweetness to it, similar to a pumpkin pie, but with a touch of butterscotch. The maracuya fruit, also known as a passion fruit, is tart and bright. The cherimoya, similar to a soursop, has a sweet bubblegum flavor.
They also make a variety of paletas, including coconut, arroz con leche and tamarindo. All are dairy free, and the latter is best enjoyed with some lime juice and chili powder. Amongst the common delights of South American dessert fare, Creme&Sugar also offers boozy wine-infused ice creams for customers over 21, like chocolate chip Bordeaux, raspberry Riesling and other refreshing combinations.
Alvarado’s cozy six-seat café, with its colorful and fluffy llama decor, offers the perfect ambience for slowing down and enjoying a coffee. As Alvarado explains, Peru is not a takeout culture. It’s customary to sit down to appreciate a fresh-brewed coffee.
“Peru is an amazing coffee exporter. The beans grow in high altitudes and [they are] not as acidic as other medium or dark roasts,” said Alvarado. “We import straight from the Chanchamayo Valley; the coffee is very smooth and has an earthy aroma.”
On the hot summer weekends, the shop has started a Peruvian food pop-up called Nazca Lines. You can enjoy Peruvian tamales and classic fresh ceviche for a limited time. For vegans, they will be serving ceviche with Peruvian corn and tofu tamales.
For a taste of Peru and its tropical, unique flavors, take it slow at Creme&Sugar.
Creme&Sugar
58-42 Catalpa Ave., Ridgewood
347.667.5957
