Gelato Taste-Off: AMORINO vs GROM
Dear Food Diary:
I grew up on gelato and this sweet treat remains as one of my all time favorites. A couple years ago, when Grom opened in the West Village, I was immediately hooked. Nothing so far has come to replace its number one spot. Amorino came to town a couple weeks ago, I stopped by opening day… let the taste-off begin:
AMORINO GELATO
The new kid in town opened its first store in Greenwich Village. An Italian import that’s present all over Europe. The store is warm and inviting. But what drew me was the way they served the cones. A flower shaped gelato cone? A rose of sweet, creamy gelato goodness? How purty!
They outnumber Grom with flavors and a more traditional way of showcasing the colorful choices. They also have more dessert/drink options.
I settled for classics like chocolate, pistachio, hazelnut and coconut.
First of all, before I get into the flavors, does this look like a flower to you? Yeah, I didn’t think so either. I was wondering how everyone behind the counter could be so skilled and talented until I got this in my hand. It looks nothing like the pictures! Reminds me of those fast food joints and the disconnect of product shot up on the board and what I get in my hands. This didn’t look purty at all. I was semi disappointed already, but since tastebuds are the judges here, flavors would win the battle.
Overall it was a bit too sweet for me, which is what I find of most gelaterias. There was no pistachios nor hazelnut in my gelato. Just a couple topping the display (I really dislike that tease). It wasn’t bad or anything but just didn’t measure up to the intense flavors of Grom.
P.S. Chubby’s RATING:
www.amorino.com
60 University Place
212.253-5599
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GROM GELATO (winner of this taste-off)
This Italian import is a no frills kinda place. Just classic flavors, done really really well. Every month they have a new feature. High quality ingredients make for superb and honest flavors. Love, love, love.
Stores all over Italy and around the world. The NYC stores (3 so far) have a very cool ambiance dominated by beige, blue and white and posters that highlight the source each ingredient. It might not be as warm and inviting as Amorino, but they totally make up for it in taste.
It’s rich and creamy without being overly sweet or heavy/sticky. Smooth and intense flavors you’d recognize with your eyes closed. Their Pistacchio has grounded pieces from Syria, while maintaining the smooth and melt in your mouth texture. There’s a hint of saltiness from the nut itself, real flavors that are true to the source. Nocciola has Tonda Gentile hazelnut, you can also see bits of real toasted nuts mixed in between, ohh so spoon lickin’ good. Bacio like the silver wrapped chocolate candy itself, has hazelnut and chocolate in one. These and their Extranoir Chocolate, Torroncino which has a hazelnut nougat are the flavors I get over and over again but never get tired of. Their fruit sorbets are like bitting into a real piece of fruit, so perfect for hot summer days.
Every spoon full is a pleasure journey through far and exotic locations where the best ingredients are found. The price is definitely justified. FYI buying to go is way cheaper if you live close enough and can wait ’til you get home. Plus they deliver! Sweet!
P.S. Chubby’s RATING:
www.grom.it
• 233 Bleecker St 212.206.1738
• 2165 Broadway 212.362.1837
• 1796 Broadway 212.974.3444
www.grom.it
• 233 Bleecker St 212.206.1738
• 2165 Broadway 212.362.1837
• 1796 Broadway 212.974.3444
I would have to say AMORINO was the better of the two. Just because they attempted the flower, I think that makes it better. LOL.
LOL myabe if mine looked purty like the pic I would of liked it more =)