Recently, I stopped into a brand new gelato shop on Capitol Hill called D’Ambrosia to pick up some gelato for our Italian cooking club night. I was curious about the shop, especially since it’s so very close to Molly Moon’s. Of course, gelato is different to ice cream, but when you see that long line outside of Molly Moon’s, it would be tempting to head two blocks up the street to something comparable for your sweet frozen treat. So, I wanted to try it out!
The Ray Doc had advised to get chocolate and something fruity – which is exactly what I ordered. While I was just about to pay, my eye caught a glimpse of their cannolies lined up beautifully and looking quite tasty. However, I am not a fan of cannoli, and yet I was still tempted to ask what type they were. There are actually a few, but the one that caught my tastebud was the chocolate chip cannoli. I then just had to give it a try – so I ordered one to go!
I usually think of cannolies as too much rich cream stuffed in a dry pastry shell. Until that moment. Yes, that one – where I actually bit into this cannoli and found an OMG sweet treat moment! No words could describe the delicate sweetness of the ricotta cheese, which was creamy and fluffy, and the light pastry shell that was so perfect that it crumbles in your mouth as you eat it. They off set it with dried lemon peel, which gives the whole thing a nice kick!
I couldn’t believe it! I went in to take pictures so I could report back to you and the staff said they were Sicilian cannolies and that meant they sweetened the Ricotta filling. I don’t know what their secret is, but this is one fabulous dessert.
The gelato was a hit at the cooking club that night too. I would definitely say that D’Ambrosio will give Molly Moon’s a little run for her money this summer season, but if it’s not gelato you love, then go for the cannoli.
I’m serious. Take the cannoli, leave the (whatever)!