"The Original" New York Milkshake Co. (Closed as of Mar. 06)

Many moons ago, my great-grandparents owned a candy store in Yorkville, where they dispensed all manner of sodas and egg creams to the neighborhood. They imparted their soda skills to my grandfather, who would scour the Lower East Side for the special chocolate and strawberry syrups he used to make the drinks. One of my last memories of him was watching him go to the refrigerator after I had pleaded for one of his sodas.

Now, Scott Marcus is recreating the authentic New York egg cream experience at his new East Village shop. Opened just two weeks ago, "The Original" New York Milkshake Co. is already serving up large doses of comfort by means of grilled cheese sandwiches, milkshakes, malteds, and giant Whoopee pies (courtesy of the nearby Sticky Fingers Bake Shop). This evening, Scott meticulously coached a new employee in the art of the egg cream while I watched. He then set an overflowing, fizzing cup beside me, urging, "Drink it like a beer!" How could I resist?

Scott plans to begin a delivery service of his nostalgic treats in the next few weeks.

"The Original" New York Milkshake Co.: 37 St. Mark's Place, (212) 505-5200.