http://www.westsiderag.com/2022/05/28/i-scream-you-scream-we-all-scream-for-gelato

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for — Gelato!

Posted on May 28, 2022 at 12:29 am by West Side Rag

Gelato at Amarino al Naturale. Two photographs by Mia Dahlgren.

By Meg A. Parsont

I have a confession to make. I’ve started a summer romance. The object of my affection is sweet, rich, and geographically desirable. I’m a happily married woman but I just couldn’t resist. My heart belongs to the Chocolate Whiskey Brownie gelato at Screme Gelato Bar on Amsterdam Avenue and West 94th Street.

I’ve typically been more of an ice cream person—or so I thought—but my first taste of that intense chocolate gelato with small brownie chunks and a slight kick of whiskey was a revelation. It has a silkier texture than traditional American ice cream with an intense and complex flavor that got me wondering, what’s the difference between  ice cream and gelato?

Gelato is the Italian word for ice cream, but there are some major differences in how these frozen treats are made. While both gelato and ice cream contain cream, milk, and sugar, gelato has a higher proportion of milk and a lower proportion of cream. Unlike ice cream, gelato also generally doesn’t include egg yolks. Because gelato is churned more slowly, it incorporates less air and results in a denser product. American ice cream is served at a colder temperature which allows for the scoops to hold their shape. Since gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature, its texture stays softer, which is why it’s served using a paddle to form a scoop-like shape.

Behind the counter at Amarino Gelato al Naturale on Amsterdam Avenue between 79th-80th Streets, servers artfully shape gelato into flowers in their signature cones—either chocolate dipped or plain. Capped off with one of their macarons, these creations are a true feast for the eye. In addition to classic gelato flavors like Dulce de Leche, Chocolate Hazelnut, and Stracciatella, they offer Blueberry Cheesecake, Sri Lankan Coconut, and Mascarpone and Fig, among others. They also have a great selection of vegan sorbet flavors. My personal favorite, and the perfect complement to their rich chocolate gelato, is the refreshing lime basil sorbet. Since its inception, Amarino, which has locations around the world, has developed more than 20 Organic-certified gelato flavors.

Screme Gelato Bar. Photograph by Meg A. Parsont.

Screme Gelato Bar is an outpost of Israel’s largest gelato company. With a selection of 200 rotating flavors, the choices are mind-boggling, in the best possible way! There is something to suit every taste, ranging from the classics to the purest Madagascar vanilla to creative concoctions like a maraschino cherry-studded Panna Cotta and of course, my beloved Chocolate Whiskey Brownie. Screme also serves both traditional and more original sorbet flavors, including a deep, dark cherry. Its products are made with all natural ingredients, without oil, eggs, preservatives, or food coloring, and are certified kosher.

Years ago when I went to Italy, no day was complete without at least one gelato. On the Upper West Side, the gelato at both Screme and Amarino is a mini-vacation in a cup—or a cone. Happy summer!

Here’s the start of a list. Add your favorite UWS gelato spot in the comments.

Screme Gelato Bar
176 W. 94th Street on Amsterdam Avenue
646-490-8460
Open from 11 am-12 am
Closed for Shabbat Friday evenings and Saturdays
Available for on-site parties and events

Amarino Gelato al Naturale
414 Amsterdam Avenue between 79-80th Streets
212-877-5700
Open Monday-Thursday and Sunday from noon-11 pm; Friday and Saturday from noon-11:30 pm
Delivery available