Bianco; it's a step back in time

Carla, making peach gelato; Federico is ready to greet guests.

Jackie at the BID, has been talking about Bianco, the new gelato store, for quite a while now, she is so enamored with the place, that I told her the next time I saw her, it would probably be behind the counter at Bianco, scooping gelato. Well, I went over and met Federico and Carla di Franco, owners of the new place, and I returned to the BID and told Jackie, "I think I'm going to be standing next to you scooping gelato when they open!"

It's that great. They are that friendly. Bianco opens tomorrow, July 25 on Commodore Plaza.

Bianco is all natural, even the organic milk comes from cows that are grass fed! Gelato by nature has less fat than ice cream, only 8% or so and Bianco's gelato is hormone and GMO free. Federico's Italian family comes from a long history of gelato making and Carla's Italian family is associated with health and nutrition and the two combined to start something new right here in the Grove.

If you are allergic to dairy or are vegan, fear not, they have lots of dairy-free gelato flavors. All made right on the premises. Flavors will change daily. "Our gelato is light, tasty and guilt free," says Federico. And get this, all the fruit comes from the famous Robert Is Here!

Their idea is to make people feel as if they are on the French Riviera or St. Tropez, when they enter the store, just like the gelato, the atmosphere is light and airy.

This is Bianco's concept store, the di Francos would love to open other stores around Miami. 

Some of their creations include "Coconut Grove" which of course is coconut, there is Classic Belgium Chocolate, Tonga Vanilla, Fig and Blueberry, Himalayan Pink Salt Peanut Butter, Nut Milk and dozens more flavors. 

Piccolo (small) is $4.50 / Medio (medium) is $6.50 and Grande (large) is $8.00). 

There will be coffee, all types, American, espresso, etc.  and small bakery items, Affogato al Coffee (which is a gelato float in espresso), and for me, Frederico suggested a Brioche with gelato in the center. 

Something interesting is "Granita," it's lighter than gelato, but just as flavorful.  Perfect for summer. It's a slushy-type treat made with ice from natural mineral water, fresh seasonal fruits, coffee and/or almonds. 

With all the talk of changes in Coconut Grove, this is a trip backwards to a gentler time. It's a place where they know your name and they know their neighbors. They care about the Grove and their business and it shows. The location is the former Coconut Grove Flower Shop which started there in the 1940s and this feels like an old-fashioned gelato/ice cream place right in that historic space.

Bianco is located at 3137 Commodore Plaza. Their hours are Monday-Tuesday from 10 am to 9 pm and Wednesday through Sunday from 9 am to 10 pm. See you there!