#1 rated GELATO & ice cream Shop in America SD
An's Dry Cleaning #lemon8partner #lemon8challenge #ice cream 🍨 #bestinnyc #vacationeats
stumbled past this the other day on a walk and of course recognized it as the infamous number 1. Gelato/ice cream rated shop. Usually this place is packed but we had no wait and walked right in.
Really interesting flavors. They immediately start you off with a palate cleanser of ginger and I think lemon, and then taste test the entire menu which is really nice. I swear sometimes parlor employees act like they’re being tortured when you get samples. 😭 Just overall an always an awkward sketch to keep asking for different ones so I really liked that they automatically just put on a sampler course.
It was sooo hot yesterday so we had to get this. Can split 2 flavors any size. Smallest size was ~7$ though, yikes.
I’ll go through all the flavors
Plush- watermelon and mint. honestly kind of basic, watery but refreshing sure. Not very complex. Tasted more like watered down lemonade ice, or ice cone.
Kimono- jasmine and blueberry
Really fragrant. First time I’ve tasted something and really gone yeah this is exactly how I imagine flowers to taste, very nice infusion. Blueberry tasted like berries fresh off a patch. Tbh wish I got this flavor instead
Basco Cap - really interesting twist, if you’ve ever had “cookie butter” from like trader joes, it tastes vaguely like that plus lemon in my opinion
canvas - rosemary and olive oil
Tasted great on sample and they add salt but omg in the scoop it was way too salty 😭 going to get heart disease and you’re coughing salty but this was throughout, not just from the sprinkle of salt on top. Might’ve been unmixed not sure.
vicuna wool - mostly goat cheese with a faint sweet undertone. I’d imagine this is pretty hard to do and mask the particular and rather overpowering taste of goat cheese or properly meld it, not super impressed by this since it’s pretty unbalanced
Full grain leather - my other scoop choice, also salty base, love the brookie bits and honestly the baked goods in there were lowkey better than a lot of the gelato (imo) but given the specialization i thought that was pretty ironic
snapback - wanted to like this (love pistachio as always) but dominated by dark chocolate, a bit too bitter and more like a mudslide profile than the “Dubai chocolate” or even chocolate pudding nutty/creamy version
While I see why it’s so famous, I think like half of the selection is very overrated and just dressed up from the accolades and unique ingredient combos without perfecting the balance of said flavors.
The texture of this gelato doesn’t seem any more subtle or authentic than other high rated ones I’ve tried, if anything seemed slightly more ice water/melty and less dense and smooth.
7/10
Parking difficult on main dining street here. Parked about 3 blocks away residential.
After diving into the unique world of An's Dry Cleaning, it got me thinking: what truly makes a gelato shop stand out, especially when it's crowned 'America's #1' in San Diego? When I'm searching for the 'best gelato in San Diego,' I'm looking for more than just sweet treats; I crave an experience, a perfect blend of texture, authentic flavors, and sometimes, a little adventure. My recent visit confirmed that unique flavors are definitely a huge draw. People searching for 'ice cream flavors weird' are in for a treat with places like An's, where you can find concoctions like 'Canvas' (rosemary and olive oil) or 'Full Grain Leather.' It’s fascinating how these shops push boundaries, turning ingredients you'd never expect into a dessert. While the original review highlighted how some of these unique blends might need perfecting, the sheer creativity is commendable. When trying these 'weird' flavors, I always go in with an open mind. Sometimes, the most unexpected combinations, like a hint of jasmine with blueberry in 'Kimono,' can surprise you in the best way! Beyond the novelty, the essence of 'best gelato' often comes down to its texture and ingredients. Unlike typical 'ice cream,' true gelato should be denser, smoother, and surprisingly, have less fat and air. It should melt slowly and luxuriously in your mouth, coating your palate with intense flavor without being overly icy. The term 'dry gelato' might seem counterintuitive, but it often refers to this desirable characteristic – a gelato that isn't watery or full of ice crystals, but rather rich and velvety. The review mentioned the gelato here felt 'slightly more ice water/melty' which is definitely something to consider when you're seeking that perfectly dense, authentic Italian texture. San Diego, with its vibrant food scene and beautiful weather, is a fantastic city to explore for gelato san diego options. If you're on the hunt for your own 'best ice cream' spot, don't just rely on rankings. Look for places that make their gelato in-house daily, use high-quality, often local, ingredients, and offer a wide range of both classic and adventurous flavors. Pay attention to how they store their gelato – often in covered pozzetti to maintain optimal temperature and freshness. And like An's Dry Cleaning, a shop that encourages sampling is always a good sign. It shows confidence in their product and allows you to truly discover what suits your palate before committing to a scoop (or two!). The outdoor seating at places like An's, as seen from the shop's green facade with its iconic '#1 gelato + ice cream spot in America' sign, also adds to the overall experience, making it a perfect stop on a sunny SD day. Ultimately, finding the 'best gelato in San Diego' is a personal journey. Whether you prefer the comforting classics or daring new flavor profiles, the adventure of exploring San Diego's sweet spots is half the fun. Just remember to savor each spoonful!