rev:text
| - To put it simply, this is the best gelato I've had in the U.S. (In an attempt at retaining some food snob credentials, I'll say that the gelato at San Crispino Gelateria in Rome was still better.)
Cool Gelato Italiano is in a great location on the Scottsdale Mall, between the Scottsdale Museums of Performing Arts and Contemporary Arts. On the summer Saturday night that I was there, there were bands playing, dancing shows, and lots of foot traffic. It was just a lively atmosphere.
The gelato shop itself is bright and clean and has a European feel to it. In fact, a few rather stoic Europeans were serving the gelato. I heard accents that I assume were Italian. Customer service was fine, but it wasn't their paramount concern. Cool Italian Gelato limits customers to only two tastings, and the staff was visibly unhappy about breaking my wife's $20 bill so she could buy a $1 bottle of water.
The main focus of any review of a gelato shop should be... (duh) the gelato! And the gelato here was outstanding. Every one that I tried was very creamy and bursting with flavor. I ordered 2 flavors (1 cup). The mint chocolate chip was very minty, but in a refreshing way, not a medicinal way. The Magnum had a subtle undertone of caramel. (Note: The mint chocolate chip overwhelmed spoonfuls that featured both it and Magnum flavors.) I also tried the peach gelato. It was a little sweet for my taste, but it had the same velvety texture as the other flavors.
I highly recommend going here on a hot summer day (or night.) Sit outside, people watch, and enjoy the best gelato this side of Rome.
|