IceCream

Ok, now there are two super icecream places with completely different styles. Capo Giro still has the best gelato anywhere outside of Palermo (yeah, I like the southern stuff better than Roma). But for true "Philly style" ice cream--and a real history lesson about what that means--you've got to visit Franklin Fountain at 116 Market Street. I know this sounds like a commercial, but I had a great experience when I visited. I talked to the owner about his restoration of a "period icecream parlor" so long that I got a parking ticket. With the ticket, the sundae was still worth it.

[bluehensfan]

Wow....I thought I was the only one in the area who is not a fan of Capogiro (despite going there a double digit number of times in hoping that the next visit will be that eye opening experience but it never is). When you mean Cafe Toscano, are you referring to the place near the Liberty Bell on Chestnut? That is my favorite place, and the gelato mix from there is imported from Italy.

[Bride of the Juggler]

You lost me at 'gelato mix.' Capogiro's is made fresh every day with local milk and local produce when possible. No mixes involved, no extracts, just real ingredients. Thank you.

[bluehensfan]

I'm well aware that Capogiro is made fresh while Toscano is essentially reconstituted mix. That is why it is so puzzling that I prefer the gelato from Toscano. While my brain tells me that I should prefer Capogiro over Toscano my taste buds say otherwise.

[Erin1020]

Whats that place in South Philly that has a little cart outside. Anthony's? May be seasonal. Let me tell you...take a little ride to little Italy in Baltimore and go to Vacaro's. Yum! 3 CHeers for the Nociola. Not that my waistline needs it, but its so darn good.

[Smellchipper]

never been thrilled with capogiro. Mario Batali's Otto serves gelato that imo is on par with northern italian gelato. Was never crazy about any gelato in Rome, but it seemed the further north I got the better the ice cream was. I find capogiro's fior de latte to be far too present in every flavor I've tried. I've been much happier with Cafe Toscano's gelato. Not that it's much better but it's a much better value.

[Erin1020]

YES!!! CapoGiro. If you can get past the fact that you will spend about $10-$15 on 2 cups of ice cream, its an amazing experience. ColdStone used to be So awful to me, but then I came up with the concoction of banana ice cream with brownie and walnuts. Try it. In Delaware COunty, PA there is a place in Aldan called What's A scoop? Its called that because clearly they have no idea what a scoop is. Overloaded ice cream cones and dishes with homemade ice cream. Chucnks of fruit and chco. amazing! Worth the drive. Go for pizza next door first at Coco's. Lets not forget Friendly's traditional hot fudge sundaes and Baskin Robbins mint choc. chip ice cream is always a favorite. There is a place in Aston, Delaware County called Just ice cream that sells all homemade ice cream. many times the owner comes out to greet you in his amazIng 1950's style shop. Flavors such as Irish potatoes and Orange Pineapple, and teaberry are amazing.

Don't forget Bassett's in RTM, another good destination. And I like Scoop De Ville, but as the only "neighborhood ice cream parlor" near Rittenhouse Sq.

I lament the demise of Alaska on 18th, and even more so Phantom Fountain (later Ummms) at 21st/Pine.

-=$>Dave<$=-