The Scoop on Tasti D-Lite

Tasti-DLite is set to open for business this Thursday, April 15. We met with Manager Lenny Dominique to get the scoop on the latest frozen dairy shop to hit the Noroton Heights shopping center.

What is Tasti-DLite?

Tasti D-Lite is a dairy-based frozen dessert that's low in fat, sugar and carbs. A small, 4 oz serving has less than 100 calories. It's not ice cream, but you wouldn't know unless we told you. It tastes just like very light, silky soft serve.

Tell me a bit about Tasti's history.

Tasti D-Lite originated in 1987 and was based in New York. The chain has since expanded, because everyone gravitated towards it so quickly. Darien's Tasti will be the first Connecticut location; Stamford will be the second.

What's on the menu?

Well, soft serve of course. We've got cups and cones, and we also have these new Tasti bars, which are like low-cal ice cream sandwiches. We do cakes too and smoothies.

What flavors will you offer?

Customers can choose from 100 flavors on any given day. We have two standard flavors—French Vanilla and Dutch Chocolate—four rotating flavors and a custom blend machine. It's a neat gadget that allows us to custom blend flavors. If you wanted peanut butter cup, we'd just add peanut butter to the Dutch Chocolate base. There's nothing we cannot do. If you want a hamburger ice cream, we'll figure out a way.

And toppings?

Think of a topping, and chances are we have it: rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, oreos, peanut butter cups, peanut butter chips, Butterfinger, Heath Bar, fresh fruit, granola, nuts …

What's your favorite flavor combo?

Oreos and peanut butter.

Any plans for a Darien or Blue Wave special?

That's a good idea. I'm basically the chef, and I'll be experimenting all this week. We should do something like that. Stay tuned.

What do you anticipate to be the hottest cold dessert?

Cake batter soft serve will be popular. Peanut butter toppings are always popular.

When are you open for business?

During the summer months, our Monday through Thursday hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. We'll stay open till 11 p.m. or midnight on the weekends. We'll probably close a little earlier during the winter months. Our grand opening will take place in June; that's when we'll have First Selectman Dave Campbell attend a ribbon cutting ceremony.

How much money should I keep in my back pocket?

$4 should get you a cone. We'll be offering discounts through Heights Pizza. If you get a pizza, you'll get a discount on a Tasti dessert.

What makes the Tasti D-Lite experience unique?

We have exceptional customer service, and we treat our customers like kings and queens. Here in Darien we have about 10 or 15 employees, some of whom are high school kids. It's a great local spot.

Stop by Tasti D-Lite at 480 Heights Road today from noon to 3 p.m. and enjoy a free sample (or two)!