Giro del gelato? Advice for a Chicago gelato bike tour

I am planning on organizing a bike ride/gelato tasting for some friends this summer - a sort of Tour of Gelato (would that be Giro del Gelato in Italian?). I'd like to stop at three places - Caffe Gelato on Division, Canady in the South Loop are two so far. I have heard that Freddy's (I think that's the name) in Cicero has excellent gelato, but that would be a hike on a bike, and probably through some iffy areas. What do you think - is it worth it the bike ride?

And would anyone be interested in joining us if I pull it together?

If you extend your voyage up north, swing by Penguin (2723 W Lawrence).

Also, you might want to search the forum for "gelato" as there have been a few discussions about it recently.

Thanks Ralph. I did check the other posts and only saw one reference to Freddy's so I was hoping for a little more specifics about them. And I do know about Penguin, but since we're starting north, I thought I'd spread the spots around a little bit.

Bittersweet is not gelato per se, but it is very good ice cream, one of the few (if any) true artisinal ice creams in Chicago (not served in a restaurant). It falls within your biking range.

Ahh....biking AND eating. Two of my favorite pursuits. And what could be more satisfying after a hot bike ride than gelato? In New Orleans, we used to coordinate a "biking for brisket" tour on Saturdays; it was kinda hard to make it home, sometimes. Please count me in when it all comes together!!

eating and biking.. i think i'd be down, as long as we don't exceed 50 miles that day. tho i'd assume that much gelato (7-10% butterfat?) would make one dehydrated in this hot muggy weather?

It is worth the ride! For what it is worth...I know they were rated as "Best Gelato in Chicago" a while back (not sure what year but I think fairly recently). I recommend the "Double Chocolate" (has an Italian name but I can't remember it) and Tiramisu gelatos. I am a nut for chocolate as you can tell by my choices but others have told me they like the Limencello and Pistachio flavors. They have great ices also.

Have a geat ride where ever you end up!

I just tasted Freddy's gelato for the first time this past weekend and it was very good. I'd say it's worth the ride.

You also might want to include Mario & Gino's on Roscoe. They do not make their own, but they stock al Gelato brand which is made in Franklin Park. (Also stocked by L'Appetitio delis and a few restaurants). I love the chocolate chip flavor. (Mario & Gino's also stocks Double Rainbow ice cream).

The Penguin is well documented on this board and quite a nice little place to visit. One of the things that is often mentioned is that you need to do ample tasting at the Penguin to see "what's good today". Often times, many of their flavors can get gritty or icy.

Mario & Gino's
2057 W. Roscoe

Penguin
2723 W. Lawrence Ave.
773-271-4924

Freddy's Pizza
1600 S. 61st Ave., Cicero
708-863-9289

al Gelato
9133 West Belden Avenue
Franklin Park, IL
847-455-5355

Best,
Michael / EC

As of a few weeks back Mario & Ginos was closed and it looked sort of permanent. Are they back open for the season?

JeffB wrote:As of a few weeks back Mario & Ginos was closed and it looked sort of permanent. Are they back open for the season?

I think they open up on Memorial Day weekend.

I just looked up the number (773) 529-8664, and called. They're open.

eatchicago wrote:al Gelato
9133 West Belden Avenue
Franklin Park, IL
847-455-5355

Best,
Michael / EC

I think that's a factory not an ice cream place.

Vital Information wrote:

eatchicago wrote:al Gelato
9133 West Belden Avenue
Franklin Park, IL
847-455-5355

Best,
Michael / EC

I think that's a factory not an ice cream place.

Yes, it's a factory. Sorry I wasn't clear. I included the info for reference because M&G's stock's their product.

Best,
Michael

Vital Information wrote:

eatchicago wrote:al Gelato
9133 West Belden Avenue
Franklin Park, IL
847-455-5355

Best,
Michael / EC

I think that's a factory not an ice cream place.

Then instead of buying some gelato, take the factory tour and score some free samples!

eatchicago wrote:You also might want to include Mario & Gino's on Roscoe. They do not make their own, but they stock al Gelato brand which is made in Franklin Park. (Also stocked by L'Appetitio delis and a few restaurants). I love the chocolate chip flavor. (Mario & Gino's also stocks Double Rainbow ice cream).

I have just discovered that M&G's also stocks the nationally-available, NY-based Ciao Bella gelato in addition to the "al Gelato" varieties.

Best,
Michael / EC

Do they still have the burnt caramel al Gelato? One of my very favorite ice creams. It's like dulce de leche that has been left too long on the stove.