Bulgarini Gelato

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Martha Burr

Joined 10 years ago

Citysearch Editorial Review. Like so many unassuming little malls in LA, this Altadena spot unfolds a cool gem in Leo Bulgarini’s airy and rustic gelato shop that has become a gourmet destination for one of Italy’s most savored sweet traditions. Roman native Bulgarini and his wife Elizabeth traveled throughout Italy to study from leading gelato masters, and soon after opened their gelateria in the San Gabriel foothills. Inside there’s an old gleaming espresso machine, furniture that looks like it’s from an Italian farmhouse, and jars of amaretti cookies and sweets. Devoted Angelenos drive across the city to Altadena for this handmade gelato. Bulgarini uses seasonal fresh fruit from local farmers' markets for flavors like blackberry, lemon, blueberry, blood orange, strawberry and tangerine. Other ingredients are brought from Italy, like Sicilian pistachios or hazelnuts from Piedmont. Even the milk is ultra-fresh, from the local Broguiere's Dairy. Special gelato flavors include goat milk spiked with cocoa, and yogurt with Celtic salt. During summer nights, the couple likes to show Italian movies in the outdoor courtyard, and for early birds the shop opens at 7am with Italian coffee and pastries.