Gelato: The new ice cream?

I could be mistaken, but it sure seems like gelato shops are popping up left and right these days. Could this Italian confection possibly be the new "trendier" version of the summer treat we all know and love? (In case you have any questions about what exactly gelato IS, click here for a brief lesson).

Being the self-professed addict that I am, I'm ready pretty much anytime to consume ice cream in any form or variety. Therefore, I've sampled my fair share of gelato here and there. However, it never seemed to quite satisfy the way a scoop of Ben & Jerry's or even Baskin Robbins could. While I love the density of gelato, the flavor never really did seem be anything special. Now this is purely my own personal preference, but I love a bold, intense flavor. Most gelato I've had seemed to be lacking in this area.

Let me add one more disclaimer before I continue. I have never been to Italy, and I have no idea how gelato is "supposed" to taste. All of my gelato connoisseurs out there, please do comment, as I would love to become more informed. But as I said, I just happen to like a powerful taste.

Well, that is exactly what I found at Luna Rosa, a gelato cafe also serving lunch in downtown Greenville. My friend and I were just looking for somewhere to get a sandwich and happened upon this establishment. The offerings consisted of soups, salads, pizzas, and paninis. We both had a sandwich with a side of fruit. My portobello panini with fresh pesto was indeed tasty, but quite small. Our side of fruit was actually a TINY slice of watermelon. I mean, it was literally three bites. It's not that I wanted to pig out, but I honestly didn't feel that the food was worth the price.

Conveniently, I was still hungry enough to be tempted by the contents of the large freezer case. My friend and I got up from our table to go check out the selection and were immediately offered a variety of samples. Because I am so incredibly indecisive, I was taking a good long time pondering my options. The staff didn't seem to mind at all, and just kept passing us spoonfuls of almost every flavor, singing in Italian the entire time. That's another thing. The service here was awesome, and everyone was very attentive and friendly.

Now back to the whole point of this post. EVERY single type of gelato I sampled was just bursting with flavor. There wasn't a single one that I tried and didn't love, and the selection was great. The fruity ones were fantastic, but after much deliberation, I settled on a sinfully rich chocolate along with peanut butter cookie. Because of the richness, a little goes a long way. I savored each bite and was totally satisfied by the time I had finished my small cup. And the fact that it has about 1/3 the fat of ice cream? Now that's just gravy. It's practically diet food, right?

While Luna Rosa does not serve dinner, it is open until 10 p.m. (11 on weekends) for gelato. I think I've found my new frozen dessert destination! (For cakes and pies, Coffee Underground will always reign supreme in my book).

Bon appetito.