Eat Your Heart Out

Gelateria Gemelli

This cozy spot evokes a sense of urban Italian chic with closely packed black tables, gleaming mirrors, and sleek metal accents. The enticing flavors of gelati and sorbetti are determined by the inspiration of the gelatieri (gelato makers) and the seasonal availability of organic fruits and herbs. On one of our recent visits, we were wowed by the lovely floral notes in the orange cardamom and found that the combination of minty fernet with shavings of Valrhona dark chocolate created a gustatory love story. Espresso fans should try an affogato (drowned gelato) made with a scoop of the luxurious Valrhona dark chocolate gelato, or go for a truly intense treat and pour the espresso shot over a scoop of the Vietnamese coffee. Completing the sophisticated Italian experience are an array of distinctly adult beverages at the bar. Indulge in Negronis and various amaro-based digestive cocktails created to complement gelato. Though the trademark here is a cosmopolitan Italian aesthetic, forager Valerie Broussard informs us that Gemelli keeps it local with milk from the Texas Organic Valley dairy cooperative, Tweed coffees, Earl Grey tea from the Steeping Room, and organic fruit from Texas growers (strawberries now, blackberries, peaches, figs, and blueberries to come) when available. Coming soon – Kiskadee chocolate bars.

This article appears in May 1 • 2015.