Paciugo Gelato

I scream for gelato, especially from a wonderful little place called Paciugo. After you try it, I guarantee you will be screaming for it too! Gelato is the Italian word for ice cream. Unlike ice cream, however – Paciugo gelato is made without cream or butter. Paciugo, pronounced pa-choo-go, is – more precisely – the Italian word for “messy concoction,” one that can easily be enjoyed by family and friends of all ages.  There are multiple sizes one can obtain to indulge in its rich deliciousness. What makes Paciugo different from other ice cream stores is that you can have multiple flavors in a cup (or cone) depending on the size.  The small suits up to three flavors and the large includes a whopping five! These mouth tingling concoctions are made with the freshest and finest ingredients daily.  High fructose corn syrup and preservatives are definitely not welcomed here – Paciugo follows recipes that date back centuries and are timeless in taste! It offers 50 types of gelato daily. The menu is chosen from their expansive assortment of over 350 different flavors. There are many varieties of different gelato such as milk and soy based gelato as well as gelato with no sugar added. They also have water-based sorbet. The flavors can vary anywhere from their classic Caffé (coffee) gelato to their award-winning Chocolate Chipotle Butter Pecan. The Pannacotta (wedding cake) and Mediterranean Sea Salt Caramel are among other very popular flavors! According to Paciugo’s nutritional fact brochure, Gelato has almost “70% less fat than premium ice cream” and it’s about nine times more delectable. Another plus is that the average number of calories in Paciugo Gelato is around 150!

When you walk into this exciting and inviting place on the corner of Melrose and Broadway, you are welcomed by pastel colored walls, and cool tables that are made from the brightly colored mini spoons that are served with your gelato!  Your first temptation is to run up to the glass case full of tasty options and try them all…AND YOU CAN! The staff at Paciugo allows for you to taste any flavor you would like before you go through the difficult process of elimination while choosing the five flavors for your large cup. The staff is very patient and efficient even when there is a long line toward the door, full of people itching for a taste of their favorite flavors. If the Lakeview location is too far for you, there is one opening in Lincoln Square this month! Bon appétit!