It had been some time since we’d caught up, but old movie screening buddy Kathy Kastner ran into K, the dotty ex no one wants to run into, and passed on that “the years had not been kind to her.”  Recently I saw a video clip of Bob Dylan and the years had not been kind to him either; it was scary. It seemed like a sign: that we should catch up have a gelato tasting at the same time, as I told her that I’d appointed myself as the city’s Chief Gelato Critic. (I do intend to visit and taste gelato at many of the city’s shops).

She’d moved away from St. Clair West, my old haunts, too, and had been exploring her new ‘hood and discovered Gelato on the Danny, a very ambitious family-run gelato and espresso shop at 1772 Danforth, between Woodbine and Coxwell.

The Danforth (always called ‘The’ Danforth for some unknown reason) is reinventing itself as ‘the Danny,’ a really silly name and yet it has taken hold. Sebastian Terzo and his spouse are the proud owners, and they have a strong commitment to authentic gelato. All Italian flavours, seemingly tweaked a bit to improve them.

For example, Sebastian offered me tastes of two different dark chocolates, both sensational, though one was clearly darker and deeper than the other. The place isn’t large but it is comfortable with some tables and a relaxed community-minded vibe. Kathy tried dulce de leche and cappuccino and I opted for raspberry and hazelnut, the holy grail of gelato fabrication.

If nocciola, the Italian name for it, is successful then it’s likely that the gelateria is serious about its product. And I am pleased to report that the Terzos and Gelato on the Danny are devoted to their craft. Flavours are deep, clearly with the best ingredients and the presentation is inviting. Another test is the quality of espresso, and that is also five star. Authentic and strong with an excellent latte macchiato with just the right amount of foam.

There are also treats like Pistacchio filled cartucchio (cream horn), croissants and panini to go with the espresso. The owners are friendly and welcoming, too. All in all, highly recommended and worth a detour to try it out. Kathy liked it too.

Another spot worth a visit is Dolce Gelato, with at 414 Danforth, and 697 College and 234 Augusta. The owner, Pino Luca, from Calabria, says his family taught him gelato essentials and “personally developed recipes that pay tribute to his ancestor’s teachings.

There is an incredibly wide variety of flavours including such oddities as caramel banana, fig, Brazilian chocolate truffle and numerous nut varieties, such as Pinopinguino –Nutella in white chocolate, Pistachio and saffron. I tried an excellent raspberry, complete with seeds, which I think is the right away to go. I’ll have to go back for more.