Delicato Creamery & Cafe
4300 Quinlan Park Rd. #105, 266-2590Monday-Thursday, 6:30am-8:30pm; Friday 6:30am-10pm; Saturday, 8am-10pm; Sunday, 8:30am-8:30pm
www.delicatocreamery.com
Venezuelan entrepreneur Filinto Duran gave up engineering and opened this charming European-style gelateria and cafe at the entrance to the Steiner Ranch subdivision nearly two years ago. Based on our visit on a recent Saturday afternoon, the neighborhood embraces the comfortable spot – we saw friends enjoying gelato and sandwiches, soccer moms buying treats for the team after a game, and a mature couple chatting over coffee and pastries. Delicato features subtly flavored gelati and sorbettos, an attractive case of house-made desserts and pastries, a full complement of Illy brand coffee drinks, hot and cold panini, soups, salads, and a small selection of wines and imported beers. On Wednesday through Saturday evenings, the Durans have an expanded menu including a list of international tapas – everything from Venezuelan arepas to sweet and savory fondues, cheese “flights” to a paella mixta suitable for two. Sounds like another trip to the lake is in store.
This article appears in May 23 • 2008.