STYLEBOOZE: GET IN MY BELLY! (A Gelato Lover's Dream)


167 SEVENTH AVENUE SOUTH @ PERRY ST, WEST VILLAGE, NYC Visit Love Gelato's Website!

I may not be a "foodie" but I am most definitely a "dessertie." I know the facts when it comes to sweets, and if there is one place that's got the goods, it's Love Gelato in the West Village. I've walked past the store sign and papered up windows for the past few months waiting with baited...hunger...for this blissful gelateria to open its doors and quell my sweet tooth. Finally this Thursday, I personally attended the soft opening of the store and was immediately blown away. The charming decor, bright open space, and sweet delicate colors draw you in immediately and transport you to a place from a childhood fantasy. I was literally giddy as a kid in a candy (well, gelato) store.

As I did my initial once over, I was instantly drawn to the colorful piles of soft confections at the first counter. Of course my eyes went directly to the enticing mound of pink in the back corner which I learned was a raspberry fruit gelato made from real fresh fruit, with no artificial ingredients. One of the many fresh fruit flavors available if you are not into the classics (chocolate, pistachio, etc.) Although it sounded completely enticing, I am forever partial to chocolate, so I concentrated on the flavors that were calling my name...Nutella, Stracciatella, White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate...trust me the list goes on. I decided I was going to be that girl and sample all of my potential favorites. Well, after going through about eight sample spoons I couldn't pick one. So I settled on a double scoop of Nutella and Caffe in a buttery crisp waffle cone. With the best-treat-of-my-life in hand, I realized there was another counter towards the back full of classic Italian meat and cheese sandwiches. Croissants with prosciutto and Fontina cheese, Mozzarella Pomodoro on Focaccia...are you drooling yet? Because you should be. Had I not been stuffing my face at that moment, I would have been totally inclined to try everything on the shelves. I guess that just means I will be taking more than a few trips back to Love Gelato.

With the gelato prepared daily at the company's brand new state-of-the-art lab on West 28th street, right here in Manhattan, it's no wonder everything looks and tastes so fresh and authentic. From the friendly staff right down to the inviting bistro tables in the corner (great for people watching btw,) Love Gelato is the perfect place to grab a snack, satisfy your sweet tooth, or simply sit and enjoy a cup of classic Lavazza Italian espresso or coffee.

After wolfing down my cone, I thought I would snap some pics of the beautiful store so you could see it for yourself...trust me you will LOVE LOVE LOVE, Love Gelato.