jgg

Is it proper to ask for sample tastes of gelato in Italy as you would at an ice cream shop here?

NYCFoodSnob

Absolutely. They offer tiny plastic shovels (spoons) for this purpose.

Betsy

LOL! It'd probably be bad form to ask to taste ALL the flavors

StCirq

Yes, as you'll see they have miniature spoons for tasting, but don't overdo it. They assume you'll only want to sample a "few" without paying - and that makes sense, no?

nbbrown

If anyone with a name like NYCFoodSnob says it's okay, I'd say go for it!!

Billie

jgg

Thanks for your help. nbbrown: I was thinking the exact same thing!!

mowmow

Be sure and taste the Rizzo gelato at the gelateria just to the left of the cathedral in Orvieto.

Tastes just like your grandma's rice pudding except it's gelato!

Their chocolate gelato was really good, too

socialworker

Our (self-imposed) rule of thumb while there was a maximum of two tastes and then buy a flavor--altho it did not have to be one of the tasted ones....After a few days, you develop your "favorites" and then need fewer tastes!! However, at least one daily gelato purchase will become a necessity during your whole time in Italy.

Dejais

Definitely ask for a sample. We also followed the "two taste" rule of thumb. It is just like Baskin Robbins. And yes, while there, gelato must be included in your daily ritual. It is a must when in Italy.

galvin

Just point and shoot. They are all great.

galvin

If you see the flavor "nada", that one is pure cream without falvorings, and it is not to be missed.

ucsun

galvin has it right. why sample. have gelato early in the day and go back again and try more flavors in the evening...there's always room for gelato.

maybe someone can point out some guide lines for you to know what good gelato looks like...i think less color means less junk in it...could be wrong.

Marilyn

Can you really tell anything about gelato by the way it looks? I never noticed that.

The place in Orvieto mentioned above has, IMO, some of the best gelato I've ever had. Another favorite is in San Gim, small piazza (with the well), NOT the place on the corner, but the one in the middle of the block. You can tell because it's the one with the line out the door. I am also a big fan of Vivoli in Florence, which I never got to until my last trip. I'm now a convert.

The search for the best gelato is like the search for the Holy Grail. Who cares if you ever find it? The fun is in the journey!

ucsun

here's a thread from slowtrav about gelato quality:

http://slowtalk.com/eve/ubb.x/a/tpc/...1010841311/p/3

Marilyn

Thanks ucsun. Very interesting. It also reminded me that Alice Twain used to post on here all the time, but hasn't for a very long time. Too bad.

DonnieD

There is an art to gelato. Gelato is best in multi-flavor servings. The challenge is to find the perfect combination of complimentary flavors.

Chocolate and Coconut was unbelievable for me, just like a mounds bar. Chocolate and Banana also rocks. Some flavors mix well together, others do not. Lemon is intense, but not to be mixed with chocolate IMO.

ucsun

i have to say that i had a grapefruit flavor in paris, which was incredible. i didn't even pay attention to it in roma though...darn next time i guess.

SeaUrchin

Yes! The mixing of flavours can take one to new heights. I like the hazelnut with chocolate
any fruit flavour with coconut
chocolate with banana
caramel with chocolate
lemon and coconut
chocolate chip with coffee

If you ask for two samples try them both at once to get a good combination. I wouldn't ask for more than two at a time either.

Best gelato in Trastevere anyone?

socialworker

Yes Sea Urchin--we loved the combo of hazelnut and chocolate but *also* pistacchio (sp?) and chocolate!!

Dejais

Sorry. Had to come back and add my two cents on flavors.

Believe it or not, the best flavor I had was melon. It was to die for! And yes, we mixed flavors as well. I had forgotten all about that until I saw the previous posts.