paciugo gelato

paciugo gelato
Originally uploaded by bluepupae.

#25 on my 101 in 1001 list (41/143)
even though paciugo is a chain, the mother daughter team that own this franchise--the first one of its kind in california--are so personable and passionate, you wouldn't know it. the unusual flavor combinations are unexpected and worth the visit alone. i came with a group of foodies for a tasting of a variety of gelati and sorbets and liked pretty much everything we sampled, although some i loved more than others. tastings, in order of appeal:

chocolate coconut curry - rich chocolate enhanced by curry with hints of coconut; sometimes plain chocolate just isn't enough. this one's got complexity

black pepper olive oil - the spiciness and complexity of the black pepper was really nice against the backdrop of a super creamy vanilla. olive oil was super subtle, but it added to the creamy mouthfeel.

sweet corn thorntree honey - corn ice cream may be more common in mexico, but it is really good. i love how corn can add sweetness to cooking, and the combination of sweet corn and cream in this one works well. couldn't really make out the honey, but i assume it added to enhancing the sweetness, which was just right.

mango chile lime - first comes sweet, smooth mango, then the spiciness lingers in the back of your throat. mexican paleta or thai green mango salad? you be the judge of this sorbet's cousin. not as spicy as either, but it keeps your mouth engaged through every lick.

strawberry balsamic vinegar - mostly sweet strawberry flavors with a smooth consistency to this sorbet. i couldn't really taste the balsamic, but i think it rounded out the sweetness of the strawberries, which can be tart.

cilantro lime - a tart lime sorbet. the cilantro was barely noticeable, but overall very refreshing

mediterranean sea salt caramel - creamy and sweet, a little too sweet for me, and the salt was a little lost

violet chocolate chip - if you like lavender and other such floral flavors, this one's for you. it had the character of a society brunch at an upscale bistro--elegant, but sweet. tasty but not really my cup of tea.

beer chill - this one is kind of the opposite of the violet chocolate chip. they pretty much captured the flavor of corona and lime. i guess if you like corona, you'll enjoy this sorbet. i personally think they could have found a more interesting beer as the flavor provider. granted guinness is overused, but there's a reason.

i sampled a few other flavors outside of the tasting, and these were smaller samples.
german chocolate - good, but not as interesting as the chocolate coconut curry
wedding cake pannacotta - very sweet and creamy
cheesecake chocolate crunch - too much like an oozy dessert. you might like it, but i thought the chocolate crunch was overkill on the already sweet cheesecake.
ginger vanilla - very nice, light pairing

get a cone or a cup or take some home with you. i highly recommend it. they have styrofoam takeout containers that come in three sizes, all of which are fairly large. with the small, you can get up to three flavors. the medium--four flavors, and the grande--5 flavors.