The Gelato Fiasco, Portland

Some might say that The Gelato Fiasco is the most delicious type of fiasco there is. Joshua Davis and Bruno Tropeano would certainly agree. They began their mission to perfect Italy's favorite frozen treat in 2007. More than nine years, two locations, and more than 1,500 flavors later, their signature gelato frequently earns praise from gourmands at Bon Appetit, O, The Oprah Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal. Their Old Port store also earned praise from taste testers on the ground, winning mentions in top ice cream lists such as Best Ice Cream in Maine in Down East magazine's 2016 Reader's Choice Awards, Food Network Magazine's "50 States, 50 Ice cream Treats", and Food & Wine's "Top 10 Ice Creams".

Each day, the team's trained ice cream makers whip up more than 30 flavors of gelato and sorbetto, ranging from mango and brownie batter to Maine wild blueberry crisp, espresso chip, and dark chocolate caramel sea salt. The Gelato Fiasco’s artisanal methods produce treats using only milk from Maine farms, natural cane sugar, and heaping scoops of fresh fruits, roasted nuts, and high-quality candies and confections. They also craft dairy-free sorbettos in flavors including balsamic-strawberry and chocolate noir. Gelato and sorbetto alike arrives in dishes, housemade waffle cones, or full pints to go; customers are also encouraged to mix flavors to create customized treats. Seasonal favorites are offered such as Pumpkin Pie Gelato and Fall in Bourbon County Gelato, created with Wild Turkey bourbon mixed with cinnamon-glazed peanuts and pecans. They also provide warm beverages during the fall season including God of Thunder, an exclusive house roast.