Over 50 delicious flavors at Paolo’s Gelato
By Gray Chapman
For many of us, summer may mean more school, work or internships. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a few childhood summer classics. The most treasured of all summer treats is definitely ice cream, and lucky for you, one of the best spots in the area for a frozen treat is right down the road in the Virginia Highlands at Paolo’s Gelato.
Paolo’s is yet another trademark Atlanta institution, where the Italian owner is just as beloved as the rainbow of flavor selections. But whatever you do, don’t go calling it “ice cream.”
Gelato is a traditional Italian summer treat with more flavor and less fat than ice cream. It’s less firmly frozen than ice cream, giving it a soft texture. The dessert is less creamy, with natural flavors and less ingredients — making it a lighter, fresher, tastier treat than the ice cream of America.
When you do go (and inevitably stand in line for a little while with the rest of Paolo’s devotees), allow yourself plenty of time to decide, because the enormous selection of over 50 flavors is positively overwhelming. You have your favorite staples — chocolate, strawberry, coffee, cherry, and so on. Then there are the unexpected options — tiramisu, fig, guava, green tea. And then, of course, there are the seemingly strange (yet somehow enticing) menu standouts. Flower flavors like rose, carnation and jasmine are the adventurous gelato fan’s favorite, while hardcore veggie-lovers can enjoy the new vegetable flavors on the menu. These include avocado, olive oil, rosemary and carrot. And wine lovers can enjoy the special vino-flavored portion of the menu, with flavors that range from chianti (dark Italian red wine) to prosecco (light, sparkling Italian champagne).
The gelati are bursting with flavor and much tastier than anything I’ve ever encountered in a Bluebell box. If you’re looking for something summery but a bit different, try one of the tropical fruit flavors like guava, passion fruit or papaya. One of the best flavors on the menu, however, is undoubtedly the Nutella gelato. The hazelnut chocolate treat is the ultimate in frozen dessert pleasure.
Sounds tempting, right? The Food Network thinks so too, as do Al Roker, Bon Appetit Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, and countless other national and local publications who have recognized Paolo’s for its gelato excellence. And the wild-eyed Italian owner, Paolo himself, certainly lives up to the hype. Paolo Dalla Zorza occasionally dons a giant ice cream cone outfit to dance in the streets of the Virginia Highlands and attract attention to his wacky, Wonkaesque establishment. Keep an eye and an ear out for both his television commercial and his radio promotion.
The gelato stand is located at 1025 Virginia Ave. near the intersection of Virginia Avenue and N. Highland Avenue. The location is perfect for a summer outing — check out the local boutiques while you’re working on your cone. And while you’re there, you can take a look at Paolo’s gift shop wares — items include T-shirts and bumper stickers.
For more information, including menu, location, online gift shop and even a live Web cam at the stand, check out Paolo’s Web site at www.paolosgelato.com.
