Gelateria Uli
Bee Pollen Gelato, Stracciatella Gelato, Horchata Gelato
Part of Downtown Los Angeles’ bourgeoning dining scene since 2014 it was over six years later that Gelateria Uli earned accolades from Los Angeles Magazine as the city’s “Best Ice Cream,” a visit to the original Spring Arcade location on Saturday casting doubt on the validity of that list based on a sampling of three flavors.
Owned by Ulviyya Nasibova, a native of Azerbaijan who considers the Gelatetia her “American Dream,” it is with Social Distancing guidelines in place that guests are invited to choose from 24 daily flavors, the fact that three were sold out at 6:00pm preventing a taste of California Pistachio that was instead replaced by Cinnamon-heavy Horchata.
Using time-honored Italian techniques, plus local Ingredients as often as possible, additional flavors run the gamut from traditional to “LA-Inspired,” and although the willingness to try Black Sesame or Lavender is commendable a spoonful of Stracciatella lacks the creaminess of what one gets in Italy or locally from an “American” spot like Jeni’s while Bee Pollen tastes more Caramel than Honey with a slightly granular mouthfeel.
www.gelateriauli.com
