Pitango Gelato vs. Ben & Jerry's at RTC. Any opinions? (Reston: appointed, organic)

[Caladium]

Looks like RTC has two ice cream places right now, Pitango Gelato and Ben & Jerry's. In years past I always went to the little independent store, but since that's gone I guess I need to find a new place. I just want something to stop and get a cup to go. (For example when going to one of the concerts or the art fairs).

I was wondering if anyone had an opinion on which of these other two are better. The Gelato place had a huge line. Is it worth it?

[normie]

I can't really say, since I haven't tried the gelato place yet. The flavors sound very intriguing. I've heard through the grapevine that the chocolate noir is particularly good.

BTW, the Washington recently went gaga over something called brioche con gelato. This is more like a sandwich than a cup of ice cream. The brioche is served warm, so that the gelato melts into the bread. Now that I've seen the photo attached to the article (below) I'm intrigued. Next time I'm in Reston I think I'll have to try one of these just to see what it's like.

Things We Love: Brioche con Gelato at Pitango Gelato - Best Bites Blog (washingtonian.com)

[slduvall]

I was a little disappointed in the gelato. Went there a couple weeks ago. Had Mango...sort of blah. Hazelnut was good. But if you ask for kids scoops then the price is worth it. Had to ask, didn't see it on the sign. Can't go wrong with B&J.

I lived in italy for 2 years so gelato and coffee are things I'm pretty picky about, so I might not be the best person to ask. But the best gelato I've had outside of Italy was a Pane Vino in Lorton.

THEN AGAIN ANY ICE CREAM OR GELATO IS BETTER THAN NONE!

[normie]

Speaking about B&J, I had their pomegranate sorbet recently and it was not only refeshing but also pretty tasty.

The flavor that intrigues me at the gelato place is cardamon.

[Stephen 81]

I love Pitango! It's a mini-chain (four locations) that started in Baltimore a couple of years ago, and all their milk comes from an organic farm in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Yes, that kind of fuzzy, heart-warming story appeals to me, or at least makes me more willing to pay high prices. I like B&J as well, but they don't have a cute story that makes me want to pay extra.

My favorite combination is the pear sorbet and the Sicilian almond gelato, but I also liked combining the strawberry and rhubarb sorbets, which are pretty rich tasting considering they don't have any fat AFAIK.

[Caladium]

So it sounds like Pitango is certainly worth trying, but not on a day when the lines are going out the door and down the sidewalk. (Sorry, but very, very few things are worth standing in a long line, IMO).

The flavor I want to try is Vanilla Bourbon. Doesn't that sound yummy!

[perries]

I like Pitango for the chocolate hazelnut or hazelnut - yum.... Vanilla bourbon does sound good.

And brioche con gelato? That sounds amazing.

[SteelCityRising]

There's also Yogen Fruz, which is wedged between Clyde's and Marvelous Market. They blend frozen yogurt with fresh fruit. Very delicious and nutritious!

[hilsmom]

don't forget Iceberry, in the far back corner near the dancing fountains. Also a sorbet place - I like it because you can just get regular sorbet with fruit toppings. I was just there during the nasty storm last week and I had a sorbet with strawberries and blueberries. Tasty!

I really like Pitango Gelato. I tend to get the Mojito flavor right now - it is summery tasting to me.

I rarely go to B&J's anymore. I actually prefer Baskin Robbins to B&J's.

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by RestonRunner86

There's also Yogen Fruz, which is wedged between Clyde's and Marvelous Market. They blend frozen yogurt with fresh fruit. Very delicious and nutritious!

Oh right--I forgot Yogen Fruz! You're right, they're very delicious.