Mammamia Gelato opened up its Upper East Side outpost on Wednesday–less than a month after signage was spotted–bringing a fantastic variation on the Italian iced treat to the neighborhood.
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Located at 1731 Second Avenue (between 89th and 90th streets), the new gelato shop opens amidst a flurry of ice cream news, with Emack & Bolio’s transforming into something new overnight.
Mammamia’s cozy space is painted in a color reminiscent of black raspberry ice cream (or sorbet) and features fun neon signage, as well as stacks of cones and other gelato accessories. And if the walls look good enough to eat, then what’s inside the freezers is on a whole other level.
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Dozens of flavors, ranging from classics like chocolate, vanilla and coffee to impeccable combinations such as the Mammamia special (a decadent pairing of hazelnut, pistachio and vanilla) and biscottella dark (another hazelnut concoction, this time with cocoa crème) line the store. The offerings, some of which are displayed in gorgeous, eccentric patterns, are as bright and alluring as they are delicious.
This author had the pleasure of sampling a classic coffee flavor, as well as the Mammamia special; both flavors had that creamy thickness that sets this treat apart from its American cousin. Additionally, the flavors and texture have a smoothness and lightness that barely make it seem like you are ingesting hundreds of calories of pure dairy cream and sugar.
According to one of Mammamia’s websites–there are a few, since it’s a franchise–the company uses “sustainable and responsible methods to create our pure-flavored, creamy, dense and velvety gelatos,” as well as “no preservatives or chemicals.” Additionally, their menu changes up weekly.
Like its other locations across Florida and several countries in the Middle East, this Mammamia offers other non-gelato indulgences such as crepes, cookies and espresso.
All that said, the gelato and other deserts are not cheap: A regular cup (pictured) will run you $8.50, and a medium cup costs $9.50. A “fresh cone,” meanwhile, will run you $10.50. Espressos cost $3.50 for a single, $4.50 for a double.
To learn more and for updates, follow @mammamiagelatonyc.
any gelato spot without covered bins for each flavor can only be so good.
‘Chemicals and preservatives’ are less unhealthful than cream and sugar.