Ice cream: Perfect Coconut Grove treat

Selina Massmann, 5-years-old, eats a strawberry frozen yogurt from Yogurbella in Cocowalk. Massmann goes for ice cream at Yogurbella as a special treat from her parents. Photo by Chelsea Matiash

In Coconut Grove, whether shopping, eating out or just taking a walk through its canopied streets, hot days call for ice cream.

The Grove has multiple ice-cream shops. It is helpful to know which ice cream shop satisfies your taste buds and health interests.Health-conscious visitor Howard Schwartz, who lives in Broward County, likes to slurp down his fruit smoothie at Coco Gelato. Located in the Cocowalk Mall, Coco Gelato offers a little peace and a little quiet away from the crowd.

“I’m on a restricted diet,” said Schwartz. “I can put down this fruit smoothie without feeling sick to my stomach. This is a nice place to sit; it’s not too noisy over here,” said Schwartz.

Unlike Schwartz, some people are attracted to Coco Gelato for ice cream rather than smoothies. At Coco Gelato, a cone comes with two scoops.

But when people hear the words gelato, Italian ice cream comes to mind.

DolceVita serves its luscious gelato in true Italian style.

“This ice cream is different than the rest, because it’s made the Italian way,” said Attilio Cracchiolo, visiting Coconut Grove all the way from Rome, Italy.

DolceVita has 48 flavors from which to choose. All flavors are visible in a glass case, helping make the selection process easier.

DolceVita automatically serves two scoops as its regular size, but in order to get a cone, buyers are charged for a third scoop.

DolceVita is not only an ice cream shop, but a café as well. It’s the perfect spot for dessert after a hearty meal, allowing people to mix a cold cup of ice cream with a hot espresso or cappuccino.

Around the corner from DolceVita is a place that offers a healthier treat. Red Kiwi on Commodore Street sells deliciously whipped, soft-serve frozen yogurt.

“It’s the best frozen yogurt in the Grove. This yogurt has more flavor,” said Grove resident Alessia Juan.

Yogurbella, located right next to Coco Gelato, serves frozen yogurt and also offers a unique concoction of shaved ice (called snow ice), in addition to its new passion fruit flavored yogurt. Lisa Wiles took her children to Yogurbella because her family emphasizes nutrition.

“We were just walking by and this seemed like a better choice,” said Wiles.

Yogurbella has more variety when it comes to candy, cereal and nuts, but for the people who yearn for a bite of fresh fruit, Red Kiwi is a top choice. Red Kiwi has thick chunks of freshly chopped fruit and full-sized berries.

Prices range from $5 a cup to $10 per pound throughout Coconut Grove.

Josh Neisloss, 16-years-old, drinks a smoothie from Smoothie King in Coconut Grove. Neisloss goes to Smoothie King often for an after school boost. Photo by Chelsea Matiash