Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain 12-05-2010

Location: 513 Henry St.
Time: 2pm
People: BLee & Friend, ALev, MGru, CarlA, RB, CK and myself

Feelings: Brooklyn Farmacy is an adorable dessert spot on Henry Street with kitschy apothecary inspired decor. It is definitely not lactose intolerant friendly but it is perfect for its kid and hipster clientele. After all, most hipsters have Peter Pan Syndrome, so of course kids friendly places would serve as hipster friendly joints. I also saw a lot of locals of all ages hanging out, and it is always nice to see new and old residents enjoying a neighborhood corner spot.

The service was cheery and friendly, and we enjoyed the spacious back room. It almost felt like we were at someone's living room with scattered board games and family photos. Not many restaurants in the city offer an intimate space like this one, and it is indeed a welcome addition.

Dessert devotees and lactose sufferers with a couple of tabs of Lactaid in hand enjoyed all their desserts and savory items. RB's soup with curried pumpkin was perfectly warm and flavorful for the brisk Sunday afternoon. His mint obsession was satisfied with a "Very Thick Shake" ($5.75) made with peppermint stick ice cream and chocolate shavings. I'd have to say it was too minty for my taste, but there is nothing better to see RB's happy face when he's devouring a minty dessert.

While I enviously observed sundaes melt under the molten chocolate fudge and gooey caramel, I enjoyed my latest obsession, PB&J. Believe it or not, I was only recently introduced to this quintessential American after school snack by RB. I always felt queasy about the idea of combining peanut butter with jelly and I remember thinking how bizarre it was to see kids enjoying PB&J on American Sesame Street on Japanese TV, but I have accustomed to it in recent months. Brooklyn Farmacy's PB&J had quite a sophisticated flavor with tangy apricot jam. The peanut butter had a bold salty flavor, and despite the outlandish price of $4.25 for PB&J, it was a delicious, captivating snack.

Apparently, the era of excitement on overpriced $5 milkshake a la Pulp Fiction is over. John Travolta may not appreciate the $7 or $8 sundaes and shakes in Brooklyn, but how can he argue with this creamy deliciousness? So close to my apartment, I will definitely be back and brave the sundaes next time...with four packs of Lactaid at the ready.