Cookie Island and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Age is a state of mind; if you're looking to regain your youth, you might want to head downtown to Cookie Island and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. I felt about five years old as I jumped for joy over the selection at Cookie Island; the only difference was that no one prohibited me from having seconds. I delighted over the almond coconut crunch and peanut butter chip, and I thought I tasted a hint of cinnamon in the chocolate chip.

When I glimpsed the giant caramelized Granny Smith apples in the window at Rocky Mountain, my childhood summers at the boardwalk immediately came back to me. Black forest fudge, chocolate-covered dried pears, deep, dark gooey "killer chocolate" ice cream, and velvet chocolate truffle syrup will certainly provide me with new memories to be fond of. Seventy-five percent of all the goodies are made on the premises; the rich ice cream is manufactured at the Hudson Valley location. Rocky Mountain also custom-designs candy bars and wrappers. Maybe there will be a Salli Vates bar in the future! (In the meantime, you will have to be satisfied with inedibles.)

Cookie Island: 184 Broadway, (212) 608-5937. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: 125 Chambers St., (212) 349-7553.