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Downtown Highlights

Welcome to Downtown Highlights, the series in which we take the opportunity to “highlight” businesses in NYC, like delicious chocolate and or gelato from Venchi. After the tumultuous and crazy year we’ve had, brick and mortar locations have taken a hit, and so it is important for us at Downtown to make sure that we’re serving the places that are serving us.

Venchi

This week, we have been transported to Italy via our New York, Venchi, an Italian gourmet chocolate shop. This place evokes a sensory experience, from homemade chocolate to refreshing authentic gelato. The sights, smells, tastes, sounds, and feel of their shop are unlike any other. The best part? You don’t need a passport to enter this little slice of Italy.

We sat down with store manager Michele Sbarigia to get the scoop on Venchi’s story.

Venchi started in 1878 in Torrine, Italy. Their claim to fame is their nougatine, a decadent treat of caramelized hazelnut coated in 56% dark chocolate. Twenty years ago, Venchi incorporated gelato into their decadent repertoire.

One of the most stunning features at Venchi is that its ingredients are as authentic as it gets. They use all-natural ingredients, importing their specialized ingredients directly and exclusively from Italy. Hazelnuts come from Piedmont Italy. Pistachios come from Bronte, a small village in Sicily. Lemons come from Sorrento, a small village under Naples, and so on.

By staying true to the pillars of rich tradition and quality ingredients, Venchi remains as authentic as it gets in NYC.

For more Downtown Highlights, click here.

Image: Gordon Ramsay

Looking for a cold, creamy treat while you detour around the Downtown Manhattan area? There are plenty of places to satisfy your summer cravings. From laboratory crafted creations to unique and exotic flavors, here are three major eateries that are sure to give you a run for your money.

Image: Il Laboratorio del Gelato’s Facebook.

I l Laboratorio del Gelato. Located on Ludow St is one of the most popular gelato and sorbet shops in the city. This laboratory-esque parlor offers over 50 ice cream flavors and wide array of sorbet flavors to satisfy your sweet tooth – the possibilities are endless. Their unique variety will keep you constantly excited and refreshed. Two of Laboratorio’s most popular flavors are apple fuji and salted caramel. 188 Ludlow Street.

Image: A.B. Biagi’s Instagram.

Next, head to Elizabeth Street to visit A.B. Biagi Gelato, a sure spot for delightful gelato and sorbet. Located in the heart of Nolita, this store offers an eclectic variety; the different flavors and vibrant colors prove that gelato is more than just a snack, it’s an art. Each flavor is meticulously prepared to achieve that cool refreshing taste without compromising your standards of superb creamy goodness. Also, all of their sorbet flavors are vegan, great for all the dairy-free consumers out there. Crowd favorites are the classics: chocolate and strawberry. Make sure you stop by A.B. Biagi Gelato this summer to see for yourself why customers can’t get enough of their creamy dessert. 235 Elizabeth Street.

Image: M’O Gelato’s Facebook.

You don’t need complex flavors and ingredients to create a delectable dish. M’O Gelato turns simple into sensational with their tasty frozen treats. Located in Little Italy, M’O Gelato is trendy and easily accessible from the 4, 6 and J train. This authentic shop sells some of finest gelato around, using fresh ingredients without any artificial additives, proving that perfection isn’t as complicated as we might think. 178 Mulberry Street.

-Mariah Brown