Gelato Journal

Probably the most important blog post I will make.

As I continue to delve my way into the copious gelato flavors of Europe, I will edit and add to this list throughout the next four months, complete with rankings and suggestions.


Flavor: Bailey's
Location: Fenocchio's

Thoughts: After having heard excellent reviews of Fenocchio's before I even arrived in Nice, I could not wait to sample their gelato! They have a prime location on a plaza with a fountain, competing ice-cream shops, basilica, and other cafés in Vieille Ville. Since I've given up chocolate for Lent (especially hard in France with all the delicious bakeries, chocolatiers, glaciers, chocolate aisles in the grocery stores, etc.), I could not order my usual Stracciatella, by which I typically judge gelaterias, and had to branch out.
After my first mouthful, I thought woooow this tastes like Bailey's! Could I get drunk off this? Not to worry, the smooth, creamy texture, and nice aftertaste zing of the remaining spoonfuls only gave me a dessert buzz, and I was fully coherent for my ensuing bank appointment.

Suggestions: This would be better paired with a scoop of Irish coffee or chocolate (review pending).
Fenocchio's trowel spoons are poorly suited for scooping out final melted remains from their round ice cream cups, and I didn't think it would be polite to lick the cup, especially since I will be applying for a job there within the next week.


Flavor: Vanilla, Creme Brulee, and Irish Coffee
Location: Azzurro's

Thoughts: Azzurro's is like the hipster version of Fenocchio's- they're right around the corner from each other, but Azzurro's is on a side street whereas Fenocchio's is on the big square and everyone knows about Fenocchio's but once I was in Nice I heard Azzurro's is actually better.
So far, I think I agree! They were very nice- they even gave us a home-made cone just before we walked away because apparently it was unacceptable to eat gelato in a cup only. Doing the math, it is more economical to split three scoops with someone else than buy one or two scoops on your own- and they are big scoops. Worried it won't be enough? You can order up to nine scoops at Azzurro's!
The vanilla, or should I say French vanilla, since I am in France, was parfait! I'm normally not a big fan of Creme Brulee, but this one was great- sweet and creamy with a tiny crunch! I liked the Irish coffee flavor better than the Bailey's, maybe because I was able to mix it with Vanilla. I can't wait to come back and get chocolate flavors!!

Suggestions: Order a cup and a home-made cone when you go! Whipped cream on top also tasted home made and added to the experience. What are you waiting for?