There is no doubting the bizarre nature of New York City. This is the city that has a giant statue of a pigeon on a scenic pedestrian walkway; that alone should convey the spirit of NYC. But do you ever pass by or hear about a new, quirky shop and just think: “Are we serious?”

That is the exact thought that went through my mind when I heard about a new ice cream parlor called Surprise Scoop where you pay $10 to get a random flavor with no indication of what it may be. 

Some readers may already be scoffing and rolling their eyes at this notion which, as you’ll read, maybe should have been my response as well. But as a susceptible, bright-eyed first-year looking for any excuse to visit the city, I ate this idea up fast enough to have given myself a brain freeze.

So, I messaged my friend and — after adding an incentive of a dumpling pre-game — we were off on our sweet treat adventure to Surprise Scoop in the East Village. I was not about to let this become yet another Instagram find that I saved just to inevitably never think about it again.   (I have no doubt that anyone reading this can relate to that experience.) 

The shop’s concept — though unorthodox — did appeal to my indecision. When I usually walk up to that display case of ice cream to place my order, the term “second-guessing” would be an understatement for how flustered I get. When I thought of the possibility of that panic being removed from my sweet treat experience, I was eager to try it.  

What I didn’t consider was that although it may take me a while to deliberate between flavors, I always end up with a product I at least enjoy. The same could not be said for Surprise Scoop. 

Upon arrival, my friend and I were met simply with four walls, one being a giant mirror, two ordering kiosks and a small door in the wall opposite the entrance. The energy was stark to say the least, and the whole experience gave serious dystopian vibes. But the girl on Instagram said it would be fun, so who were we to judge, right? 

There was no menu, and the only options of choice for ordering were no cherries, no whipped cream and a place to list any allergies you may have. After jokingly exclaiming our preferred ice cream flavors to the abyss, just in case we could make some impression on the undisclosed scoopers, we each received our fateful flavors. 

By received, I mean that a hand came out of the mystery door in the wall and placed a takeout container with two scoops of ice cream on a ledge right below. The fact that there is a business built on anonymous trust in New York City is truly astonishing. 

After a couple of bites of my dessert, I concluded that I lucked out with pistachio, one of my favorites. Unfortunately for my companion, the result was far from ideal. Based solely on appearance, we had both thought she got vanilla. Despite being a bit underwhelming, vanilla certainly would have been preferable to reality. When she said the word “cucumber,” I simply had to try for myself. Sure enough, upon my first taste, I was hit with the refreshing, almost marine taste of cucumber. Decidedly less good in ice cream than in water. 

After suffering through a few more bites, she threw in the towel and pitched the treat she had spent 10 dollars plus tax on. The moment I heard that container thump in that trash can, I started apologizing for dragging her to this outing, all while snacking on my admittedly tasty ice cream. 

I should also mention that the entrance wall is just glass, so absolutely everyone can gawk at you as you essentially pay no one to give you something you didn’t ask for. Also notably, my dear friend and I were the only two people in this room, which should have tipped us off somewhat. 

Exiting the establishment, I started to wonder why places like this had to exist at all. Although I enjoyed my time, it’s not like it was the best quality ice cream I have ever had. The reason I had a good time was because I was out with my friend.  

For these kinds of shops, people always argue that it is “about the experience.” I would venture to say that one can have just as enjoyable of an experience at a normal dining establishment. Even better since someone could decide whether or not they want to order the freaky cucumber ice cream. I also probably wouldn’t have to spend nearly as much money on a lackluster scoop. 

I would not recommend anyone to go to Surprise Scoops. I am not going to blame them for my experience; it was my choice to go knowing what awaited me. Shame on me for trusting a place with overhead lighting. Everyone seems to be looking for a new, eccentric place to go, but I think these people are taking for granted the established, local spots that surround us. It is just as easy to enjoy a normal, well-made meal as some avant-garde concoction.  

There is no issue in patronizing a funky new food spot, but if your gut tells you it is overrated, trust that feeling. Wait for one of your more gullible friends to try for you!