Gelato's local flavor
Jessica Leung
Issue date: 6/6/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Dulce de Leche, Strawberry Tarragon, Mexican Chocolate, Bourbon Butterscotch, Lime-Cilantro, Pineapple Mint and Pistachio Siciliano are just some of the flavors of gelatos and sorbettos made fresh daily at Capogiro. Located at the corners of 13th and Sansom streets, and 20th and Sansom streets, this Italian-style café is open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to midnight on weekends.
It was only six years ago that Stephanie and her Italian husband, John Reitano, opened this family business. The couple's main focus was to use only the freshest ingredients and have everything be pure, natural and authentic. As one manager told me, "Capogiro is unique in the sense that they offer 'seasonal flavors' to highlight seasonal fruits."
The Strawberry Tarragon flavor is usually only offered during the summer when strawberries become ripe. Capogiro also prides themselves in handpicking fruits from the growers of Pennsylvania and using milk from local dairy farms that raise grass-fed, hormone-free cows.
I stood flabbergasted at the counter. I found myself staring at over 20 different colorful flavors adorned with fresh fruits.
After sampling a variety of flavors, I decided on Blood Orange, Lime-Cilantro and Dulce de Leche. While the Dulce de Leche had a smooth, rich texture, the blend of gelato with the caramel flavor of Dulce de Leche provided a treat to satisfy anyone with a big sweet tooth. In contrast, the Lime-Cilantro gelato was milky, yet tangy, resembling the taste of lime sorbet with the hint of herbal flavor every couple of bites to give it a subtle kick. Light and refreshing, these flavors were perfect for a warm spring afternoon. Then the Blood Orange seemed to be a combination of the two. With its milder taste, the rich creaminess of the gelato and the slight tang of the orange seemed to balance each other out.
When I looked around, I noticed the marbleized table tops and electric blue chairs with its modern décor, the contemporary lighting fixtures, the soft playing music, and the young, down to earth staff. Everything about this café provided a fun, yet very tranquil atmosphere.
Freshman Catey Burtness-Adams raves, "I love this place! I think they have great ethical values because they support a lot of the locals, not to mention, the unlimited samples. And I know it probably isn't a good idea, but I could stand here for hours just to sample every flavor."
Though the price of $4.50 for a small may make students weary about spending so much on a scoop of gelato, I believe everyone would be satisfied. While there are so many flavors to choose from, I recommend only going every once in a while or else you may burn a hole in your pockets. On a happier note, gelato has half the fat and half the calories of regular ice cream. With that being said, as the summer comes into full swing, take walk, enjoy the weather and treat yourself to some gelato.
It was only six years ago that Stephanie and her Italian husband, John Reitano, opened this family business. The couple's main focus was to use only the freshest ingredients and have everything be pure, natural and authentic. As one manager told me, "Capogiro is unique in the sense that they offer 'seasonal flavors' to highlight seasonal fruits."
The Strawberry Tarragon flavor is usually only offered during the summer when strawberries become ripe. Capogiro also prides themselves in handpicking fruits from the growers of Pennsylvania and using milk from local dairy farms that raise grass-fed, hormone-free cows.
I stood flabbergasted at the counter. I found myself staring at over 20 different colorful flavors adorned with fresh fruits.
After sampling a variety of flavors, I decided on Blood Orange, Lime-Cilantro and Dulce de Leche. While the Dulce de Leche had a smooth, rich texture, the blend of gelato with the caramel flavor of Dulce de Leche provided a treat to satisfy anyone with a big sweet tooth. In contrast, the Lime-Cilantro gelato was milky, yet tangy, resembling the taste of lime sorbet with the hint of herbal flavor every couple of bites to give it a subtle kick. Light and refreshing, these flavors were perfect for a warm spring afternoon. Then the Blood Orange seemed to be a combination of the two. With its milder taste, the rich creaminess of the gelato and the slight tang of the orange seemed to balance each other out.
When I looked around, I noticed the marbleized table tops and electric blue chairs with its modern décor, the contemporary lighting fixtures, the soft playing music, and the young, down to earth staff. Everything about this café provided a fun, yet very tranquil atmosphere.
Freshman Catey Burtness-Adams raves, "I love this place! I think they have great ethical values because they support a lot of the locals, not to mention, the unlimited samples. And I know it probably isn't a good idea, but I could stand here for hours just to sample every flavor."
Though the price of $4.50 for a small may make students weary about spending so much on a scoop of gelato, I believe everyone would be satisfied. While there are so many flavors to choose from, I recommend only going every once in a while or else you may burn a hole in your pockets. On a happier note, gelato has half the fat and half the calories of regular ice cream. With that being said, as the summer comes into full swing, take walk, enjoy the weather and treat yourself to some gelato.
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