Il Gelatone

I really wanted to like Uncle Louis G's (rapidly proliferating Italian ice/gelato chain). It is obvious that many others do, judging from the lines of customers sweating in the summer heat. But when I ordered a "spumoni" last night, I was unceremoniously presented with a cup of three colors of Play-Doh. Right then and there, I decided that I had to get serious about my gelato craving.

And so, I made my way to Il Gelatone: oasis of authentic gelato and sorbetto. Chocolate hazelnut gelato was assertively cocoa-y, with satisfying chunks of nut. Tiramisu gelato was milder and tasted of the requisite cocoa and mascarpone. Hazelnut gelato was subtly nutty and creamy, and the flavor of fig shone through clearly in the light lavender fig gelato. Sorbetti were offered in fruit flavors such as mango and strawberry. I was too engrossed in the more caloric offerings, but I promise to visit again to report on the more virtuous sorbetti. Or, if you invite me to accompany you, I will just take a bit of yours while I order the caramel gelato.

Il Gelatone: 397 3rd Ave. (212) 481-2093.