[Photo: Kathy YL Chan]

Between the weekday hours of 4:00 and 7:00pm, a cart is rolled out onto the patio of Mia Dona in midtown. What goodies does it hold? Brioche Gelato Sandwiches ($6)! The house-baked brioche is sliced and toasted to order, paired with either Ricotta-Honey or Pistachio gelato. I sampled both and could not decide between the subtle, creamy and honey-kissed ricotta or the full-bodied pistachio, so naturally opted for the best solution—a half scoop of each. The gentleman working the cart was more than glad to oblige and drizzled honey over both flavors upon request (the honey is usually only used with the ricotta gelato). Top with the other half and a shake of powdered sugar.

The gelato, with a firm and solid texture closer to that of ice cream, doesn't rank along the likes of L'arte del Gelato or Il Laboratorio del Gelato in flavor intensity or quality, but is nonetheless a delightful addition to the lackluster options of Midtown afternoon desserts. Bonus: they put a bench outside, enough room to seat three, so you don't have to eat standing on the street

Mia Dona

206 East 58th Street, New York NY 10022 (map)
212-750-8170
miadona.com