Is there anything more appropriately chill-inducing in the scorching summer heat than gelato? Our favourite spot in the Yonge and Eligible area, Gelato Simply Italian, is opening a second location beside Hemingway’s in Yorkville this weekend. Can we say prime real estate? The new location is the second for this tradizionale shop, and the third opening in the past year for owner Allesandro Buccianti – he also opened Falasca SPQR, a Roman-style restaurant across the street from Gelato Simply Italian’s first location.
The Yorkville shop is noticeably smaller than the first, but not to fear: there will still be 36 flavours of Allesandro’s freshly hand-crafted gelatos on display. Gelato Simply Italian has an arsenal of 122 honed flavours, though with experiments, and new ones Allesandro has yet to try, there’s about 140.
The gelato is as close to Italy as you can get in Toronto – Allesandro is Roman-born after all – with a velvety smooth texture that’s light and inviting. Aside from the perfectly executed chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and lemon – which is to die for – flavours always lining the freezers, Gelato Simply Italian’s take on pistachio gelato is delectably creamy, while the lime and coriander is a unique combination that’s bright on your palette. The tiramisu is also exceptionally notable, and the panna cotta is best served in the large size – a small just won’t cut it with this one.
In time, the Cumberland Street location will serve the midtown shop’s signature crepes, and Allesandro will be introducing cornettis – which are akin to Italian croissants, only he’ll fill them with nutella, and whipped cream, and jellies – and a gelato and brioche dessert.
We’re exceedingly excited that the new location will boast the amazing Affogato – gelato with espresso poured overtop – and like the first, will sell take-out cartons in four sizes and will also accept pre-orders of special flavours.
Gelato Simply Italian, 146 Cumberland Street, Toronto. 11am to 1am daily during the summer.
Images by Jacqueline Nicosia.