As you walk through the quaint courtyard of D’Ascenzo’s Gelato (132 E Gay Street, West Chester), with its inviting tables and flower lined walls, you will enter through the side door of an Italian treasure.
This beautiful gelatoria is filled with Italian flair – soothing red fresco walls, golden tiled floor, ornate wrought iron tables and chairs, Italian equipment and deep blue venetian plaster that serves as a backdrop for their immaculate collection of gelati.
They always have 24 rich and bold flavors including limoncello (made from their homemade limoncello), pistachio (the nuts are roasted there), raspberry chocolate Chambord, tiramisu, hazelnut (using imported Italian nuts), apricot brandy, strawberry champagne, Bananas Foster, many other tempting flavors.
Flavors will change with the seasons, future flavors will include fig and honey, fig and port wine, cheesecake, and rose petal. Traditionally, gelato is made by incorporating very little air to create a dense and creamy concoction, packed with a bold and delicious flavor.
Even though they sell a gourmet product, their prices don’t exceed $5, spring water is offered for free and there is no charge for a handmade waffle cone or mixing of flavors (this is very tempting since they are all fantastic). Pints, quarts and gallons are available for take out or your next party.
Ten years ago, Glenn and Kristin D’Ascenzo returned home from a trip from Italy and couldn’t get gelato off their minds. After trying some creamy goodness at a gelatoria outside the Parthenon in Rome, it was amore! When they were reconnected with the authentic Italian delight in Boston in 2004, they knew were destined to get in the gelato business. Glenn immediately started crafting the perfect gelato recipes and before they knew it, they were selling their product at the local farmers market and a friend’s cafe.
“We have only been here a week and I am thrilled with the results. We have had some people who have come three or four times a week and they keep bringing friends. It is such a great area and I felt it was the perfect fit for some gourmet gelato,” said Glenn.
Even though, the D’Ascenzos are new to West Chester, they are in high demand throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. For the past six years, they sold their gelato commercially and at various festivals throughout the region – Chaddsford Winery’s Memorial day (armed with a Chaddsford Cabernet gelato), West Chester Restaurant Festival and Super Sunday (their booth was across from their current storefront). Customers at shows where always asking where they could find their gelato and now they decided it was time to start their own shop.
Despite its bold and delicious flavor, this guilt-free treat will not get in the way of your perfect summer body. Gelato has far less sugar and heavy cream compared to ice cream and only has 7-percent fat. D’Ascenzo Gelato is made with hormone-free milk, natural fruits and nuts, local ingredients and no preservatives or artificial flavors.
They are open seven days a week from noon until 11p.m., so stop by for some delicious gelato and great conversation with the friendly owners. Like D’Ascenzo on Facebook, too, by clicking here.
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