I think I just found gelato heaven on the city's West Side. While out for a ride I stopped over to the newly opened Gelato Ji's Gelateria, which is located in the same building as the super successful Urban Roots Garden Cooperative. The doors were open and proprietor David Simpson was inside handing out tasty gelato samples on miniature plastic 'shovels'. The last time I had looked around the storefront (early spring) it was just an empty shell. Not anymore... as of the Summer Solstice, it has suddenly turned into a chill little oasis where neighbors, and visitors to the neighborhood, stop in for all sorts of special treats.
From the looks of it, Gelato Ji's is going to be very successful. Even if the retail end of the business has a slow day or two, the wholesale end of the operation kicks into high gear. Once again, we are seeing a business that is multi-faceted in order to sufficiently sustain itself. The retail end of the business is gravy. Not to say that selling scoops of gelato at $2 a scoop is so bad... that's 50 cents cheaper than Elmwood. Plus the gelateria offers pints, quarts and samples of the oh-so-interesting and creative flavor combinations.
People living in the neighborhood will also be glad to hear that David picks up fresh baguettes from Dolci every morning and has also started selling cookies, biscotti, vitamin water and coffee. Future plans involve adding gourmet pizza, espresso, specialty cakes and packaged gallons of gelato to the list of offerings. I'm telling you that you have got to stop in to see this double-header (Gelato Ji's and Urban Roots) business combo in action. I spoke to a lady who was placing a gelato order who told me that she shops there because, "Where else can you pick up gardening supplies and a cup of gelato all in one stop?"
The business has been a dream of David's for three years - he told me that there was never any question that he was going to open on the city's West Side. "I want the neighborhood to come in and not feel intimidated," he said. "We're open when Urban Roots is open (except Mondays)... I feel that we are a beacon for ‘positivity’ here. We are going to be restoring the facade of the shop to keep it consistent with Urban Roots. That means that we're going to replace the glass that used to be there and put the original middle entrance back."
Even though the gelato flavors vary each week, today's selection included cinnamon and cassia, hazelnut, pistachio, caramel with oatmeal raison cookie, raspberry chocolate, espresso chocolate chip, Madagascar bourbon and vanilla, strawberry vodka, and mojito (among others). Each one that I tried was better than the next. Plus there is a seating area if you are looking to enjoy your goodies in-house.
Gelato Ji's is located at 426 Rhode Island - 716.310.4918