Stew Leonard's Treat Named 'Most Iconic Dessert' In CT By Condé Nast Traveler

NORWALK, CT — Luxury and lifestyle travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler released this week a list of the most iconic desserts in each state, and an item from Stew Leonard's made the list for Connecticut.

In a list titled "50 States, 50 Desserts: America's Favorite Sweet Treats," the magazine named Stew Leonard's popular soft serve ice cream as Connecticut's most iconic dessert option.

The list was compiled through "months of reaching out to sources around the country and whittling the answers down," according to Condé Nast Traveler.

The article acknowledged that, in addition to stores in Norwalk, Danbury and Newington, Stew Leonard's also has locations in New York and New Jersey, however the grocery store chain's "first and best" store stands in Norwalk.

"And while the grocery experience (that has since expanded well beyond dairy) is delightful enough that anyone driving through on the Merritt Parkway or I-95 would pin it for a detour, its most delicious draw is what I like to think of as the state’s signature dessert: a simple cup or cone of soft serve," Charlie Hobbs, author of the Connecticut section of the list, wrote.

The Norwalk store's soft serve ice cream selection typically includes the standard vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavors, as well as unique rotating options such as pistachio, coconut, banana and cotton candy, as well as seasonal options such as pumpkin, apple cider and eggnog.

The Norwalk store even carries the Dole pineapple soft serve famously found at Walt Disney World in its iconic Dole Whip park snack. Frozen yogurt flavors are also available.

"Stew Leonard's old-fashioned ice cream is a delicious dairy-fresh treat and a tradition for over 40 years," the store's website reads. "Or try our seasonal frozen yogurt varieties. They're a-moo-zing!"

The Condé Nast Traveler list also notes Stew's ice cream is "made from milk that's delivered fresh daily," which contributes to its delicious taste.

The "World's Largest Dairy Store" was founded in Norwalk in 1969 and is known for its friendly staff, whimsical animatronic displays and promotions, as well as its loyal customers.

The full list from Condé Nast Traveler can be viewed here.