After finishing up our delicious lunch at Paciarino the other weekend, stopping by Gorgeous Gelato just seemed like something we had to do. We like to think of Portland’s Paciarino-Gorgeous duo as an easier (and much less expensive) way to feel as though you’ve transported yourself straight to Italy. Of course, not having to sit an on airplane for hours, or sleep off jet lag, before you enjoy scrumptious, authentic Italian cuisine is an added bonus!

During the semester I spent studying abroad in Florence, Italy, I had gelato nearly everyday. No lie. There seemed to be a gelateria on every street corner, and not popping in for an afternoon treat as often as possible just felt wrong. Having started my gelato addiction fresh from the source, I remember how incredibly excited is was when I read about Portland’s new authentic Italian gelateria, Gorgeous Gelato, when it opened its doors on Fore Street just a couple of years ago. After meeting the shop’s owners, Donato and Mariagrazia, a sweet couple from Milan, I fell even more in love with Gorgeous!

It wasn’t until a few months ago, however, that we started visiting the shop quite regularly… and by ‘regularly’, I really just mean ‘a lot’. There was one span of time in the last month or so that I happened to find myself at Gorgeous four times in the course of eight days. In fact, we’ve been twice since taking the photos for this post! After each visit, I’m always reminded why I make a point to stop in for a cup nearly each time I find myself in the Old Port – it is, hands down, the most delicious and authentic gelato I’ve tasted since leaving Italy six years ago. Organic, fresh ingredients, natural flavors – what’s not to love?

Obviously, we’ve had entirely way too much gelato in the past month or two, and have become well-versed in the daily offerings at Gorgeous. My go-to cup is Dark Chocolate & Pistachio, while Michael loves the deliciously-fresh Strawberry. Recently, I had Mango & Dark Chocolate, at the suggestion of one of the employees (the sweet girl that chuckles at the frequency we walk in the door!), and loved the odd combination! Our other favorite flavors include: Gorgeous, Peach, Panna Cotta, Blackberry, and Bacio. (Gorgeous does an excellent job updating their Facebook page with their daily flavors.)

Long story short, if you’re looking for a fantastic dish of Gelato on a warm, sunny day in the Old Port this spring or summer, look no further than the gelato-toting cherub at 434 Fore Street. You won’t regret the decision!