23-Year-Old Gelato Shop Is Closing in Hyde Park

Essential ice cream shop Dolce Vita Gelato & Espresso is closing at 4222 Duval Street in Hyde Park this fall. Where there is no set last date of service, it will happens sometime in October, according to its Facebook page. As its time winds down, it will offer up specials on gelato, etc. too.

There was no no specific reason was given for Dolce Vita’s upcoming shutter. That Facebook announcement noted: “[w]e will miss Hyde Park and all the awesome times, and thank you so much for your patronage and support throughout the years.” Read the full note below.

Dolce Vita’s gelato explored funkier flavors like mulled wine, pineapple-coconut-wasabi, and tomato, as well as served the usual staples like like strawberry and chocolate. Plus there’s an array of European desserts from cannoli to tiramisu to pistachio tarts.

Dolce’s bar served up Italian-focused espresso and coffee, wine, and cocktails, with a special emphasis on martinis, as well as sorberitas, which are boozy blended gelato drinks. For more substantial fuel, Dolce also serves up sandwiches, paninis, salads, and cheese/hummus/fruit.

Founders Bick and Erica Brown opened the Dolce Vita in 1995, with the addition of Erica’s mother Concetta Mastroianni the following year. They sold the shop to Pascal Nicolas and Beverly Gonzales in 2006, with new general manager Alex Maradiaga.

(h/t Reddit)

• Dolce Vita [Facebook]
• Food-o-File: Just Desserts [Chronicle]
• Food-o-File [Chronicle]