Benoit

Delicious creamy frozen treats are popping up all over the city. Just two months ago, a wonderful new ice creamery/patisserie opened up on Lexington Avenue to the great delight of Upper East Siders. Benoit Gerin, a Jean-Georges alumnus who has produced fine ice cream in NYC since 1999, has debuted a refreshing menu of iced cakes, sorbets and coupes glacees. On a hot sunny day, what could be more appealing than the Special Benoit: a cup of mango, coconut and passionfruit sorbets topped with raspberry sauce and whipped cream? Or how about the Pear Belle Helene, a poached pear with vanilla and chocolate ice cream, chocolate sauce and whipped cream? (For the diet-conscious, there is also the "skinny juice": carrot, orange and ginger juice. Somehow I think I'll be more focused on the fattening part of the menu.)

Benoit: 1212 Lexington Ave., (212) 327-4369.