La Cremeria - scooponcones.com

the scoop on cones

New York’s gelato scene is getting some stiff competition, straight from Carpi, Italy. This sophisticated shop, which soft-opened this month, sells stand-out gelato that is made fresh in the back kitchen.

Owner Martino Caciagli says his philosophy is to use the best ingredients — fresh fruit or chocolate and nuts from Italy. (The original La Cremeria is in Carpi, in northern Italy; this store is their second retail location.) The dedication to well-sourced food shows.

We loved the Chocolate Orange Peel sorbet. It was the richest, creamiest sorbet we have ever tasted. Caciagli swears he does not use milk, but he won’t reveal his secret other than to say it is in the special process he uses. As long as he keeps making it, we won’t pry any further.

We also liked the Amarcord, with mascarpone and chocolate fondue. Frankly, mascarpone isn’t typically our favorite flavor, but this gelato makes us like it.

Other creative flavors include Emilia, with buffalo ricotta and carmelized figs. We can’t wait to try them all.

Hours: 2 p.m.-9 p.m. in May; Grand opening to follow

Price: $4.50 small (one flavors)

Special Diets: The sorbet is dairy free; Yogurt gelato is fat free.

Phone: 212-266-6758

Website: www.la-cremeria.com