By Nathalie

1. La Paloma Gelateria (1357 St. Clair W., with locations in Woodbridge and at Vaughan Mills mall.) Those more inclined to artisanal gelato know the Corso Italia has the best scoop in town. It’s traditional gelato, at a premium price: about $4.50 for a large cup.
Thumbnail history: ‘the window’ – as it was long known on the Corso – was started by Sicilian immigrant friends Salvatore Giannone and Vincenzo Ciarlandini in 1967. Amusing anecdote: actor Chazz Palminiteri once stopped by and got behind the counter to help out, spouting classic lines from his movie A Bronx Tale. Modus operandi: as is done in Italy, first hit the cash counter to pick and pay for your size, then present the chit at the gelato case to be served.
On any given day, you can choose from over 70 flavours from the repertoire (written in both Italian and English). The classics are well-represented, like zabaglione, nutella, nocciola (hazelnut), Ferrero Rocher, cinnamon, panna cotta, torrone (nougat), two kinds of pistachio, fico (fig), glazed chestnut, fragola (strawberry), banana, lemon sorbetto, cassata siciliana, which is candied fruit inside a sort of tiramisu (and oh yeah, there’s also a plain tiramisu flavour), to specialty flavours like persimmon, English trifle and gioia mia (white chocolate truffle with whole hazelnuts). There are also soy varieties for the lactose-intolerant and a wide selection of water-based sorbets. Grab a cone and while you’re in the neighborhood, take a short walk east to Tre Mari Bakery for the best Sicilian cannoli in town…well, that’s another Ist List for another day.