Grom

Wow.

Scoboco braved the blizzard of hype that blew into town with this weekend's opening of Grom gelateria and, unbelievably, this dense, intense, sophisticated sweet treat—made fresh every day with natural, often artisanal ingredients, and using traditional Italian recipes—actually surpassed our expectations.

Seriously: this stuff is amazing.

The lines were insane all weekend outside the sparkling storefront on Broadway, and it was no different when the three of us arrived at around 3:40 on Sunday afternoon. A half an hour later—yes, that's correct, we waited 30 minutes in line to buy gelato—we ordered medium cups, two flavors each. Co's was a beautiful Chocolate (from Ecuador) and an impossibly creamy Stracciatella with crunchy Venezuelan chocolate chips. Bo had the Pistachio ("from Bronte") and the Extranoir Chocolate with Ecuadorian chocolate chips, and said: "These are the best versions of these flavors that I've ever had." I tried it... she was right.

I ordered the Gianduja, which was incredible, like the Nutella of heaven; and the even better Crema di Grom with chewy/crunchy Battifolo biscuits and more of those Ecuadorian chocolate chips. All the flavors are deep and—yes, I'll say it—complex. The textures are smooth without even a hint of that oily plastic-ness that so often kills gelato. Grom's flavors change with the season, and they also serve sorbet and granita (click on the menu at right to enlarge).
I can't wait to go back. This should become one of the Upper West Side's few destination restaurants.

Grom is located on Broadway between 76th and 77th Streets. They're open from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.