The wait is finally over. Lexington Avenue between East 77th and 78th Street may now be the sweetest block on the Upper East Side, thanks to the grand opening on Sunday of renowned Italian chocolatier and gelato-maker Venchi’s newest ChocoGelateria, the company’s fifth in Manhattan.
Venchi’s spacious new Upper East Side 1,000-square-foot boutique can be found at 1117 Lexington Avenue, next to the smaller, newly-opened patisserie Angelia Paris. Despite both establishment’s love for chocolate and sugar, that’s where the similarities end.
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Whereas Angelina is a small, classically-designed cafe packed with pastries, Venchi distinguishes itself as a larger, colorful and vibrant gelato shop that boasts an impressive selection of wrapped chocolates, gourmet gifts and even an entire wall of chocolate bars.
If you’re not familiar with the Italian chocolatier, Venchi says its products are all-natural and use no coloring agents, preservatives or palm oils — instead opting for healthier fats like olive oil and cocoa butter.
Vegan options are also available at the ChocoGelateria.
The new Venchi boutique offers much more than just candy and gelato. You’ll also find authentic Italian coffees, fresh crepes with their Suprema chocolate hazelnut spread, a chocolate fountain and hot chocolate — though with steamy April temperatures, gelato may be a better call.
Coming from humble roots in Turin, Italy dating back 140 years, Venchi has grown into an international award-winning chocolate purveyor, now boasting 350 chocolate recipes and 90 gelato flavors sold at more than 175 locations worldwide.
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It all began back in 1878 when 20-year-old founder Silviano Venchi spent his savings on two bronze cauldrons to experiment with chocolate.
The rest is delicious history.
Venchi’s new UES ChocoGelateria is open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.
