Hotel Gelato

By Annabelle Goodman –

Hotel Gelato
532 Eglinton Ave. West
416 932 2663

This was a very special lunch for several reasons. I was meeting with some relatives from Calgary that I have not seen in years. There is a very emotional attachment and I was looking forward to the event. Hotel Gelato was highly recommended and it was indeed the perfect spot. I love the concept. Hotel Gelato is definitely a trendy dessert spot. It also features Salads and Panini at lunch. At dinner there are more substantial choices. I loved the energy in the air without being noisy. Mothers with children were sipping coffee and enjoying a pastry. Others were licking the spoons of the wonderful gelato. We were there for lunch. The Cobb Salad was a healthy lunch portion and was enjoyed by one of my guests.($15.00) Two of us felt virtuous in ordering the Quinoa Salad.($13.00) A large white bowl was filled with quinoa, cranberries, sweet potato  and vegetables. What flavor!  We shared the flatbread sticks with rosemary that came with the Cobb Salad.

This is a Gelato house so we had to sample some flavors. The Chocolate Gelato and the Almond Gelato were ‘manna from heaven.” We delved into the cup and finished every bit licking our lips. ($5.25 for a medium cup) I used to claim that only in Italy can you find perfect gelato. Gelato House proved me wrong. Even the Cappuccino was the best. ($3.50)

I’m coming back for dinner. Hotel Gelato’s Mac and Cheese is prepared with spaghetti squash, cauliflower, kale, cherry tomatoes and white cheddar.($11.00)

Citrus Cured Atlantic salmon is served with pickled beets and organic watercress salad. Dark rye toasts and Swedish mustard help to balance the flavors.($13.00) Field Onion Soup sounds so delicious with thyme-black pepper challah croutons and applewood smoked English cheddar.($7.00)

Should I indulge in the Warm Bread Pudding with a scoop of banana gelato ($8.50) or the Lemon Shortbread Tart? ($5.50.) All the desserts looked so inviting. I may have a few.

The servers were so warm and friendly. Wine and cocktails are available. We long overstayed our welcome but nobody seemed to mind. We had so much to talk about and it was delightful to eat good food in a welcoming environment.