PrintThe Best Gelato in New York Is Being Served in a Tanning Salon
I know it's winter, so you're probably not thinking about ice cream, gelato, or any other frozen dessert, but listen up. Gino Cammarata, as I wrote in the New York Times in 2002, might be New York City's best artisanal gelato maker, and he is back this week after a prolonged absence from Gotham's food scene.
He's making his transcendent gelati in the front of a popular tanning salon in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.
You heard me right. In a tanning salon.
According to Cammarata, he needed a base of operations for his gelato-making, and a tanning salon in his neighborhood had a space available in the front with a big walk-in freezer in the basement. So, instant gelateria.
If you want to know what pistachio gelato is supposed to taste like, ground-up Sicilian pistachios mixed into the smoothest, just-creamy-enough paste imaginable, head out to Bensonhurst this weekend. You will never be able to eat pistachio ice cream anywhere else.
While you're there, try his cassata gelato, made with ricotta cheese and a touch of cinnamon. You won't be disappointed in any flavor you try. The man's gelato is that good. Gino is an ice cream artiste, the Michelangelo of gelato. And if you feel like getting some winter color as well, Gino says the tanning salon is excellent.
Oro Verde Gelati Espresso Bar
Address: 1742 86th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11214
Phone: 646-708-4622
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9 Comments:
I'm with you. It's never too cold for ice cream! I just made pumpkin pie ice cream. A couple years ago, I walked all along 4th Ave. looking for Bussola, not realizing it was closed. This new place looks good, but it's so far.
thesu at 1:31PM on 02/29/08
There's never a "no ice cream" time of year! Ice cream is a dessert for all weathers and seasons, especially GELATO!
The gelato by Gino must be really good...
levinedym at 6:28PM on 02/29/08
Dammit Ed start taking some photos.
This setup sounds hysterical.
Will visit soon.
norman at 10:03AM on 03/01/08
For the other end of the price spectrum, Otto does a great job with gelato.
iamnotachef at 5:02PM on 03/23/08
I love gelato, I havent found a shop in my small town in S.C that makes it so I have to make it myself when I get a craving. I appreciate all of the recipes I can get my hands on.
Check out this "cool" article at "www.foosita.com
growitgreen at 9:16AM on 07/18/08
They sell a few of his gelatos at Lia's Ices in Windsor Terrace. I've had the cherry and fig, and they're amazing. Can't wait to try the cassata
marthagrace at 9:49AM on 08/17/08
i like Chinese food
shanghaiove at 3:15AM on 10/03/08
This new place just opened in Manhattan off of 2nd. It is called Melt. They have some of the BEST gelato I have EVER had. Their paninis are great too! The whole place is just really cool!
sharrinf at 9:38PM on 05/25/09
There is a fabulous confection boutique on Park Ave btwn 58th and 59th that serves up the best gelato I've ever had. The brand is called Taste Gelato Artigianale, made fresh daily with all natural ingredients. There is a debut for the gelato on June 4th and 5th. I highly recommend it!!!!
gadams1376 at 10:22AM on 05/26/09