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I love Dolci Gelati

Locally made, authentic and delicious Italian ice cream.

I have Barbra Streisand to thank for my latest obsession. After reading her 970 page memoir in 46 hours (beating the audio version by two hours), it was her voice screaming COFFEE! (her favorite flavor) at the ice cream freezer in Whole Foods. Espresso Dolci Gelati!

Seriously friends, the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted. And made in DC. So good, I called chef Gianluigi Dellaccio to learn more right after I tried their Strawberry Lavender sorbet!

It turns out I’m not the only one who thinks Dolci Gelati is fabulous. Gianluigi was appointed the first Gelato Ambassador to the United States by the Associazione Italiana Gelatieri in 2018!

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Gianluigi Dellaccio
Gianluigi Dellaccio  Photo by Dolci Gelati via Facebook

I had a few questions for Gianluigi:

With SO many artisanal brands on the market, what do you think the secret is to the taste of your gelato? 

The key to the exceptional taste of our gelato lies in a combination of factors: quality ingredients, genuine passion, and extensive knowledge. When I embarked on this journey, my primary aim was to introduce the true essence of gelato, setting it apart from the numerous "gelato" products flooding the market. In 2013, I initiated gelato classes in New York, dedicated to educating aspiring entrepreneurs about the authentic characteristics, parameters, and standards of gelato. It's crucial to understand that gelato differs from ice cream—it's lower in fat and incorporates less air. With a rich tradition dating back many years, we emphasize upholding the standards of this time-honored product. Respecting the legacy of gelato ensures that those venturing into opening gelato shops are well-versed in its true nature.

Besides Whole Foods at Tenleytown (I did not see it at the River Road location) where, near Georgetown can we buy Dolci Gelati? 

You can find our pints & 1/2 pints at:
Whole Foods Tenleytown
Point Chaud Cafe & Crepes Glover Park
Point Chaud Cafe & Crepes GWU

Here's a full list of DMV locations.

What's your favorite flavor?

As someone born and raised in Italy, my all-time favorite flavor is hazelnut, known as Nocciola. This traditional Italian flavor has been a part of my life since childhood. I have a particular fondness for it because, in my opinion, the finest hazelnuts in the world hail from Piemonte.

What do you like best about living in Washington DC?

Residing in the capital of the United States, one of the aspects I appreciate the most is the rich tapestry of diverse ethnicities and cultures. Our clientele represents a broad spectrum of backgrounds, reflecting the multicultural essence of Washington DC. It's a fascinating aspect of my work that goes beyond traditional Italian flavors. We often collaborate with restaurants that request unique gelato flavors, stepping outside the bounds of Italian tradition. This challenges me to leverage my expertise and create distinct Italian gelato flavors that harmonize with ingredients from various cultures, adding a dynamic and inclusive touch to our offerings.

Anything else you'd like to share with our readers? 

We like to give a smile after every spoonful of gelato. What gives us motivation is seeing the customers reaction after they try our creations. if it is not up to our standards we don't put it to market.  we spread happiness with every bite one scoop at a time. Gelato frozen dessert is a product that gives happiness to everyone. If you have a bad day, it always gives a pick me up. Every scoop of gelato that we craft.