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| - A few things about Hollywood Gelato confuse me:
1. why is there a duck on a bike pedalling away outside?
2. why is it called "Hollywood" Gelato? The pun-lover in me was really hoping that the flavours would hint at celebrity culture: Kellan Nutz! Brad Peach Pitt! Pumpkin Piola Davis! (you can groan, it's ok) NO DICE
Conclusion: I got no answer to 1., and it didn't take long to realize that the puns featured in 2. would confuse, more than delight, the long line of customers. Silver lining: my dreamed-about chain of pun-heavy retail outlets might not be up against much competition. Puntastic!
*Mid-review disclaimer / self-edit: I'm writing this pre-coffee. I can already tell it's a little loopily unfocused*
During warm weather there is almost guaranteeably a line outside Hollywood Gelato, with tricycles and Leaside dogs waiting patiently outside. The line moves quickly and the staff is efficient. Sometimes the pace is *too* quick for me, actually: there's the pressure to make a decision immediately instead of using those awesomely cute mini-spoons to test out a few options pre-commitment.
The gelato itself is good, laid out in rectangular containers with toppings that hint at the flavour. Perhaps catering to a Canadian palate, I find the flavours not as intense as my favourite gelateria, and some of the options (see: cake batter) tow the line between traditional and kid-friendly ice cream options. With its location in family-focused Leaside, I don't blame Hollywood Gelato for this strategy, but I often leave 1640 Bayview craving the smaller servings and super-saturated flavours of other gelaterias.
That said, local neighbourhood-focused establishments get my vote, and ones with generously sized patios with late hours are especially welcome on the Bayview strip.
Yelp note: Hollywood Gelato tries hard to entice visitors long after we turn to scarves and woolies. For Thanksgiving? A Pumpkin gelato pie. Give it a try!
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