For the Love of Gelato

When you know what you want and you want the real thing, it is hard to be satisfied with anything else. I don't think I had ice cream the whole summer of 2007 since my favorite gelato place was closed due to renovations at the hotel it is part of. Every time I passed by, I glanced and hoped that one day, it would be back... And finally, it is: Aromi d'Italia ("Aromas of Italy") on Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda.

I am not a big fan of hotel outlets, so I didn't stumble upon this place by chance. Rather, I discovered their primary operation in Annapolis, at the harbor (yes, it is that place right next door to Phillips Seafood. Yes, it is the place where you can see many colors and types of gelato through the window - they also have great coffee and pastries) and have been hooked since them. No matter how full I am when I am in Annapolis, Aromi d'Italia deserves a visit, and the tough part is choosing from all the flavors - one reason to bring all your friends and order as many flavors as possible! There used to be days I thought of jumping in the car just to get my favorite gelato, but during the summer the traffic towards the bay and the long delays make the trip unworth it in my opinion.

Imagine my surprise, when, couple years ago I was driving towards Bethesda with my gelato craving still unsatisfied, and noticed the sign of Aromi d'Italia at the corner of my eye. "I must be dreaming" I thought - food cravings do that to me at times, they get so strong I can smell the food I am craving for, or can feel the texture of it in my mouth or on the tip of my fingers. Of course I made a quick U-turn and rushed to the store. It was a small and cozy place, with couple coffee canisters on the shelves, small counter to order food, and a few tables tucked by the window. And of course there was a colorful display of gelato (and some cookies and pastries to the side) which I was immeditately attracted to. I remember being instantly happy and ordering a nice portion of straticiella and tiramisu. And I remember closing my eyes and going to the "mmm mmm mmm world".

Since this little cafe was on my way home from work, it became a regular stop many days, especially during the long and frustrating ones - there is so little a good cup of gelato can't take away!

I introduced many friends to the store, and it became my regular gift for dinner parties. Pleasantly I watched people around the table first complain they had no space for dessert (thanks to many talented hosts) and then gobble up the corners of their dishes... My proudest moment was when I took it to an Italian chef's house and offered it on the side of his delicious pie (always a safe bet - present your gift as an addition to the menu, in case people don't like it)... And once again the gelato box was cleaned up with lots of good remarks.

On couple of occasions, I brought the take-out boxes home hoping that I'd save myself a trip or two to Bethesda. But no matter how much I tried, and no matter what size box I got, the gelato was gone within 2 days, and generally in two servings. Eventually, I decided it was not the best way to handle it and made many happy trips to my litte gelato place...

Then unfortunately, one day... the little gelato heaven was closed!!! I had never seen the place busy, but it didn't look like they were suffering either. When I stopped the car and rushed to read the sign I found out that they were closed due to the renovations at the hotel and did not have a definite opening date. That was when I needed a big take out box of gelato and lots of cold water...

Many months went by, and my little gelato place didn't open... The sign got old, and the building got a new facelift... Still, the little cafe didn't come back. Until one day... Finally... I noticed the chairs back on the patio and some preparation inside. I hoped and waited that my little gelato place would be back.

I am happy to report that it is! Today finally I went with a friend of mine. Despite the fact that we were in another part of Bethesda and we had plenty of options to choose from, and despite the fact that he had an injured foot, I didn't want to go anywhere else. As passionate as I am for food, I am not cruel, so I asked him to wait for me, picked him up by car and drove at my gelato place - not even half a mile away. I was so excited I almost parked illegally, but I am glad I didn't. As soon as I walked in, I was in that familiar place and with a big smile on my face. Everything looked the same but newer and fresher. The gelato case was in its place, and as usual, many flavors were half empty - good sign that people know this place. Starving as I was, I went for a sandwich first (grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, creamy pesto, and oozingly warm cheese stuffed in a fresh and warm bread... When was the last time you got excited about a sandwich??? I know this won't be the last one for me!) and of course gelato to top it off. Bacci (which means "kisses" and includes chocolate and hazelnut) and straticiella (which is vanilla gelato with chocolate sauce strands broken up in the mix, hence the name "strands") is a good way of getting as much as you can in one scoop. Of course you also have to try chocolate, vanilla, the fruit flavors, and the pistachio... While we were enjoying our gelati, other people walked in and out, with that familiar smile on their faces. I know I will be back to this place many times, espcially because I can't keep a stash of it in the freezer. If you go, try the gelato for sure, and the sandwiches are great as well. If you happen to pass by in the morning, stop by for good coffee, and fresh pastries. Whatever you get, you'll get friendly smile with it, and a willingness to please the customer... Ask for a taste of the flavors you won't get today, and make a list for your next trip. You won't be disappointed.

P.S. Did you know they have a branch at the Italian Embassy? That on its own should be sign of how good their gelato is!

Aromi d'Italia: 8120 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 (at the Doubletree Hotel, couple doors down Guapo's) Phone: 301-654-9669 www.aromiditalia.com