Simply Gelato

At some point in your life you have probably met that girl who just can’t shut up about herself: how cool she is, how she only wears designer clothing, how she knows the right people, how clever she is and – of course – how rich she is. Chances are you have also met that guy –  a colleague-who just can’t shut up about himself: who brags rights about a project he’s done – all by himself –, who boasts about staying later at work than his other colleagues, and who has the right business connections. The truth is that most probably their claims are far from reality…blah blah blah… Sounds familiar?

Well, the same is true for gelato shops – gelaterie –  in Rome (and throughout Italy). Whenever you stumble upon a gelato shop claiming artisanal gelato (with a big gelato shaped sign just outside of the shop), or bragging all over  about their homemade gelato or own production, stay away from it. If you see shops with big signs of BEST GELATO in town, look away. If you enter a gelateria with puffy bright colored gelato bursting out of their metal containers, I suggest you to not enter into temptation! Most of these gelato shops use artificial ingredients such as flavor powders, artificial coloring and chemical additives. It is all fake.

But before I go into more details, head over to Katie Parla’s blog and read her post on gelato shops in Rome, where you can find the most reliable information about food, restaurants and gelato in the Eternal City.

As far as natural gelato in Rome, I discovered Fatamorgana during one of my many trips to Parco Nemorense, a small, quiet park located within my neighborhood. During my first visit to Fatamorgana, I was not only impressed by the unique combinations of flavors (walnut-rose petal-violet flower gelato, celery-lime gelato, cherry tomatoes and habanero chili, or chocolate with wasabi), but with the fresh and real taste of its gelato. Indeed, a couple of years ago, a friend of mine – who  suffers from celiac disease – recommended me Fatamorgana since its gelato was gluten free. Therefore, if my friend with her condition consumes it without hesitation, you get the idea how trustworthy this place is.

So come with me and discover Gelateria Fatamorgana…

Basil, walnut and honey gelato

Baklava gelato

Far Right – Ginger cream, chestnut honey and lemon.

Thumbelina- Nuts, flower petals and violet flowers.

Chocolate sweetened with fructose

Punch Paradise – Terracina strawberries, white wine and lemon

Blueberry cheesecake gelato

A gallery of gelato with three scoops of different flavors: raspberry, mango and blueberry.

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