(Snacked 11/10/17 FR @ 10:30am): When in Venice...eat gelato!
By default only because they were the only one I saw open, I made my first gelato puchase of the day while exploring the lovely city of Venice at Antica Gelateria. I fell in love with gelato (easily my preference over ice cream any day!) a lifetime ago when I first visited Italy, and the quintessential thing you had to do was of course eat gelato...especially while in Venice! Would this little store have the gusto to win my returning business!?
PURCHASE
1 Cup (1.50 Euro) - Of all the many flavors, the only one I somehow never tried was the Ferrero Rocher, so I defintely had to get this as my first snack of the day! I indulged in the round little candy balls back home all year round, so to finally see it in gelato form was a heavenly sight. The density was immense with loads of candy goodness that stuck to your teeth and slowly slide down your throat. It took me awhile before I finally finished this as I truly wanted to cherish how awesome it was (plus, it was a generous serving!). Hell yeah...I loved this flavor https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=OAbYUmQQQNzIrY9vzqMVow&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
SERVICE
The gelateria appeared to just opened-up as the older affable gentleman was sorting himself out and none of the gelato tubs had been touched (I devirginized the case with my scoop!). Good things since a throng of tourists came down the same alley I did and started to line up. He kindly greeted me, served up a hearty portion, took my money, and wished me "arrivederci"! What more did you need as a start to a full day of Venice!?
PARKING (N/A)
Just to be clear, Venice was a walking city where no land-based vehiculars were allowed. Sure, there were plenty of boats, gondolas, and water taxis but no cars whatsoever.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A tiny boxy corner store with only room enough for the gentleman who worked it, it featured two sides where you were able to place your order through window openings that captured all foot traffic. With its blue-and-white nautical-themed awning trimming that caught your attention from afar, it was the deliciously-colorful gelato display case that pulled at your wallet https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=mHHZK5OrhEjm2h6Hi8pn-Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. The splash of egg yolk-colored walls in the background added even more vibrancy to an already-alluring destination as stacks of cones, cups, and even water bootles had a lean similar to the Tower of Pisa. There were no places to sit, so it was a grab-and-go kind of deal. Plenty of natural lighting with a couple soul-sucking electric fluorescent lights inside the glorified food stall. There were no TVs nor background music https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Elpu4QB-bnxgJByTQ6gCLA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Antica Gelateria was a lovely find among all the corners, turns, and twists I took as I explored Venice on my way to St. Mark's Square. I may regret putting this business on the Yelp map, but everyone should enjoy what this small business had to offer instead of the glitzier places you'll find around the area. They also sold beverages and other snack goods, but it was the gelato that brought everyone to the yard! I found total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around 1.50 Euro BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, although I paid in cash, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 5.0 STARS read more