Is it possible to be obsessed with gelato and sorbetto? If you don’t think so, you’ve never met Stephanie Reitano, the owner of Capogiro Gelato. As is so often the case, the idea for this company was conceived after a trip outside of US borders. It seems that Stephanie’s Italian-born husband, John, introduced her to the genuine article in Italy, and Stephanie simply couldn’t get enough of it. Once back in the States, Stephanie searched to find gelato and sorbetto as good as that she’d had in Italy, but her search was in vain. Undaunted, she simply began experimenting with recipes herself, and one thing led to another.
Stephanie Reitano has a serious obsession with gelato.
Pennsylvania's rich farmlands provide an abundance of produce from which the gelato is made.
I have a lot of respect for Ms. Reitano’s way of doing business. Wherever she can, she uses local and/or organic ingredients. She tries to deal with actual farmers and producers, not middlemen, as much as possible. And if she’s not satisfied with the quality of an ingredient, she just won’t use it, period. She’s continues to experiment with flavors, as well; how many other makers of frozen desserts do you know who would concoct a Ginger Sesame Gelato or a Lemon Opal Basil Sorbetto, two of her current offerings?
Capogiro Gelato Artisans opened its doors in 2002.
What to try from this company? The Bacio, a chocolate-hazelnut combination with candied hazelnut bits, is a classic. The Menta Stracciatella (Mint Chocolate Chip) is glorious; the mint is locally grown and provides an ideal foil to the bits of chocolate scattered throughout. Nicest of all, it doesn’t matter whether you’re adventurous in your flavor choices or not, as you can always find something delicious. Oh, did you want to know how to get some? Of course you did! Capogiro Gelato has four locations in Philadelphia; note that each will have a slightly different flavor roster, but the website is kept up-to-date on such vital information. You can also order these frozen treats online (from a set flavor list) in convenient six-packs. For complete information, head over to the site. These gelati and sorbetti are ideal gifts for anyone, but don’t forget yourself on that gift list!
You'll find all the classic flavors such as Nocciola, Pistacchio and Stracchiatella, but also innovative one's such as Rosemary Honey Goat's Milk, Mascarpone & Fig, and Honey Cumin.
Top photo via gophila.com
August 6, 2009
These look seriously dangerous to one’s waistline, but so worth it, yum!