Watch our video here: http://youtu.be/2hrTg4kbHK4
Molti Ringraziamenti to Mr. Donato Giovine and Mrs. Mariagrazia Zanardi.
Many thanks to this enterprising couple from Milan, Italy, for bringing inspired Gelato (as well as gorgeous tasting affogato, espresso, cappuccino, cannoli, and Italian authenticity) to Maine’s most populous metropolis.
January or July; football, baseball, or tax season… any season is a great time to enjoy gelato.
Inside the store, one feels at ease, and mellowed by the ambiance and colorful décor. There are more flavors, colors, and varieties of Gelato than one may find in an entire box of Crayola Crayons (even though some colors of crayons are the same, but with different names). What the hell is the difference between Burnt Orange and Burnt Sienna, I ask you?
Indeed the history of Gelato is colorful one. This is a diverse dessert for the ages…and it has reigned supreme for Millennia. Ancient Rome, Egypt’s Pharaohs, and even the House of Famiglia de' Medic knew the palatable pleasures of flavored ice, but the smooth and velvety texture of gelato was a result of the Italian Renaissance.
A good century if ever there was one for uniqueness and invention was the 16th Century. Lots of cool things occurred: The Bard - Billy Boy Shakespeare was born, Conrad Gesner invented the graphite pencil, and the pocket-protector wearing Prussian, Copernicus, published his theory that Earth was not the center of the universe (nor is Tom Cruise - whose ego dwarfs a Red Dwarf). Egomaniacal and Heliocentric comparisons aside, the celestial and culinary universes were expanding back then.
The Copernican Revolution altered the way the world viewed the planets and science. And the way we view dairy-based, sugary desserts today is because Bernardo Buontalenti “invented” modern ice cream, and thus, helped gelato become more than just a passing fancy for the Florentines in the 1500’s.
Unlike Tom Cruise’s “Vanilla Sky”, there is nothing bland about the flavors that Gorgeous Gelato offers the people of Portland…so pop in to Gorgeous Gelato at 434 Fore St. for an array of tantalizingly tasty treats.
It’s a journey your taste buds will appreciate.
Gorgeous Gelato never uses any artificial sweeteners or flavors! They would not add hydrogenated fats; nor would they even entertain the idea of using emulsifiers to create their melt-in-your mouth masterpieces…the daily productions are as fresh as Gina Lollobrigida in 1961’s “Go Naked in the World”.
Speaking of going naked, all ingredients are au naturel…and passionately prepared –by hand, from scratch, each and every day by Mariagrazia. She studied the art and learned the craft under the tutelage of the most brilliant and creative minds at The Italian School of Gelato in Perugia, just a couple hours south of the beautiful city of Florence. Mariagrazia puts passion and pride into her production of Gelato creation; holds dear the traditions and trade secrets that set Gorgeous Gelato apart from the rest.
Like any true Artisans, Donato and Mariagrazia offer more than one manner in which to please the pallet.
They also offer catering services with an authentic Gelato cart imported from The Old County for special events, parties and get-togethers…from small groups to literally hundreds of guests, they can make it happen for you.
And what’s more? They cause a severe case of Panini envy! Large and delicious Paninis are served for your dining pleasure.
Whether you’re on the trot and grab something to go, or want to sit comfortably in their beautifully bright and bodacious dining area, you’ll not find a more authentic, family run business serving miles of smiles…from Milan to Maine!
Gorgeous Gelato is a perfect name for this place.
Enjoy!
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