Yesterday, I started writing a post about my frozen yogurt addiction and the rehab program I developed to combat it, but the gelato we ate after brunch with the ex Moxie Firecrackers is more exciting. People talk about the pizzas at Otto, but that's not what I crave when I pass the restaurant. I remember the first time I had their olive oil gelato fondly. The surprise of sea salt in the fruity (yes fruity!) cream creates a pop of savoriness that makes your tongue water. The drizzle of bright olive oil on top adds luxurious texture. Somehow, I'm able to justify the 10 dollar price of a dessert when it's that good. J was an olive oil gelato virgin so she got that, mint chocolate chip and salted caramel and C got plum sorbet, chocolate, and the famous olive oil. Since I knew I could taste their olive oils, I got the sweet corn gelato with polenta cake, nectarine sorbet, blackberries, and zabayon cream. The corn was indeed sweet. Its smoothness contrasts with the crumbly cake perfectly. The sorbet and blackberries add a refreshing tartness which balanced the richness of the gelato. A perfect summer dessert.
As for Otto, the restaurant was shockingly empty at about 2pm on Sunday. We pulled up an extra chair at the bar and were seated comfortably. The water service was attentive and the bartender let us linger a long time. I really haven't been to Otto in a long time because it's always so crowded in the bar area and the back restaurant and I don't like the stand up bars in front because I'm too short and have bad feet. But because the city is empty during the summer weekends, I know I'll be back for more gelato! Who's coming with me? 1 Fifth Ave. at 8th St.
