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BARBADOS - Meet Franco, a self-proclaimed gypsy and Italian connoisseur. Around 8 years ago, after visiting Barbados as part of his world travels, Franco recognised a niche on the island. He returned and brought with him the creamiest, most delicious Italian treat....GELATO!
Since establishing Dolce Gelato, a small dessert stop on the South Coast, Franco has won over the hearts of local Barbadians and visitors alike with his indulgent array of flavours. For those of you who have not yet had the pleasure, gelato is the Italian version of ice cream with....Wait For It...less butterfat and sugar but no less taste! Almost guilt-free indulgence – Fantastic!
In fact, Franco prides himself on producing gelato that is all fresh with natural ingredients and flavours. I challenge anyone to select a favourite as there are so many to choose from. There are the fruit varieties including the in-demand coconut (my absolute favourite!) and the supremely creamy options including tiramisu, stracciatella and ferrero rocher. Each flavour is enhanced by the all natural additives and as Franco explains, there is no need for any extracts or essences. A great example is the classic vanilla which is made using the actual vanilla pods – the intense taste is authentic and satisfying (another must-try flavour!).
As well as the mouth-watering gelato, Dolce Gelato also offers a range of coffees and Italian pastries. These artistic edibles are provided by another one of Franco’s ventures, the Pastry Box, and are the perfect accompaniment to any one of the gelato flavours. Cakes, meringues, éclairs....I could go on and on...and trust me I will as we visit the Pastry Box next!
Dolce Gelato on the South Coast is tucked alongside Black Pearl restaurant. Franco’s pleasant staff are always welcoming and many times, you will even find Franco himself behind the counter. Open from Monday to Sunday from 2:00 pm until 10:00 pm, Dolce Gelato is almost always a hive of activity, with patrons sitting inside chatting or on the outdoor patio mingling. As the word spreads like wildfire and with popularity soaring, Franco has now opened another store at Sheraton Centre which also offers a combination of gelato and pastries. In December, yet another location will be opened at the highly anticipated Limegrove Centre on the West Coast. Franco, it seems, is on a mission, a quest to tantalize the tastebuds of Barbadians and visitors to the island with Italian panache.
In response, all I can say is, “Dove sei stato per tutta la mia vita?” Italian for, “Where have you been all my life?”
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