Dessert in Mexico City: Churrería El Moro, Amorino, and Pazzesca Pizzeria

Churro from Churrería El Moro


Left: Coffee, Mint, and Hazelnut gelato from Amorino

Right: Mango, Tiramisù, and Stracciatella gelato with a Strawberry macaron from Amorino

Tiramisu from Pazzesca Pizzeria


Right: Margarita from Pazzesca Pizzeria

My dining companion and I tried a variety of desserts while exploring Mexico City last March. 

We first tried a churro from Churrería El Moro, a popular churro chain found on Génova in Juárez as well as throughout Mexico City and now in some parts of California. The churro was perfectly sweet, had the crunch we were looking for, and was pretty inexpensive. It is no surprise that churros are a must-try when you're in town. Next time, I might order one with a chocolate or caramel dipping sauce.

To cool off on a warm day, we stopped by Amorino for gelato: a gelato chain on Av. Emilio Castelar in Polanco with locations across Mexico, the US, Europe, and elsewhere. I ordered a cup with three flavors — Coffee, Mint, and Hazelnut — all of which were delicious. My dining companion had Mango, Tiramisù, and Stracciatella gelato, served in the shape of a flower, with a Strawberry macaron on top, which he also enjoyed. They actually have a location near San Francisco's Union Square, which I can easily visit the next time I'm craving gelato.

My dining companion is a big fan of tiramisu, which we tried at a cool pizza spot known as Pazzesca Pizzeria on Calle Marsella in the Juárez neighborhood. This beautifully made dessert was as good as expected, while we also enjoyed a couple of drinks to end the night. I would definitely stop by again the next time I'm nearby. 

Churrería El Moro

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C. Génova 59, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Open: Sunday - Thursday 8am - 10pm, Friday - Saturday 8am - 11pm

Amorino

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Av. Emilio Castelar 107H, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11550 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Open: Monday - Wednesday 8am - 11pm, Thursday 8am - 12am, Friday - Saturday 8am - 1am, Sunday 10am - 10pm

Pazzesca Pizzeria

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Calle Marsella 59, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Open: Monday - Tuesday 1pm - 10pm, Wednesday - Thursday 1pm - 11pm, Friday 1pm - 12am, Saturday 10am - 12am, Sunday 10am - 8pm

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Eat in Oakland: Michael's Chocolates

Stracciatella gelato

On a warm day in mid-May, my dining companion and I were killing some time before meeting a friend on Grand Avenue. Since ice cream is often the answer, we stopped by Michael's Chocolates for a scoop of gelato. Located on Grand at Elwood, this shop sells artisanal chocolates and a variety of gelato. 

We chose a classic flavor: stracciatella. It was quite good, as would be expected from a store specializing in sweets. I remember thinking it was creamy, had the right amount of chocolate, and hit the spot.

The next time we're in the area, I may try one of their fancy chocolates filled with Salted Caramel or Hazelnut Espresso.

Michael's Chocolates

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3352 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94610

Open: Tuesday 12pm - 6pm, Wednesday - Saturday 12pm - 7pm, Sunday 12pm - 6pm

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Eat in New York City: il laboratorio del gelato

Rosemary and Espresso gelato

After eating Souvlaki Pita sandwiches at Souvlaki GR for dinner one late September evening, we were on the lookout for a dessert spot nearby. This led us to il laboratorio del gelato, a gelato shop located on the corner of Ludlow and Houston on the Lower East Side. 

They're not just a sleek, white interior. They mean business — they have 250 flavors of ice cream and sorbet in their repertoire. I tried two flavors I really enjoyed: the Rosemary and the Espresso. I liked how their laboratory theme carries throughout: from the scientific set-up of the huge store space to the dishes your gelato is served in. I also remember their very welcoming service. 

The next time I'm on this side of Manhattan, I'll be sure to try one of their hundreds of other flavors, perhaps the Brown Butter, Cheddar Cheese, Chocolate (Thai Chili), or Cucumber, just to name a few from the beginning of their alphabetically ordered list (!).

il laboratorio del gelato

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188 Ludlow St., New York, NY 10002

Open: Daily 10:30am - 10pm

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Eat in Santa Monica: Caffe Bella

Bagel and Lox made with cream cheese, tomato, red onion, and capers


Farro Salad with chicken

While visiting my family in Santa Monica this past weekend, we stopped by Caffe Bella for a quick bite to eat. Located on Third Street Promenade, this cafe serves coffee, panini sandwiches, salads, and gelato. My Bagel and Lox made with cream cheese, tomato, red onion, and capers was everything I needed after a short flight. My mom enjoyed her Farro Salad with added chicken as well.

If you've visited Caffe Bella, what do you recommend trying?

Caffe Bella
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1400 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Open: Daily 8 - 10

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Eat in Las Vegas: Jean Philippe Patisserie

Hazelnut gelato

After strolling through the Chinese New Year displays at the Bellagio, we stopped by Jean Philippe Patisserie for a scoop of gelato. I ordered the Hazelnut, which was quite good. It came with huge slices of hazelnuts and had a smooth flavor I really enjoyed.

The patisserie itself is worth a visit. It features the largest chocolate fountain in the world as well as an impressive selection of cakes and desserts.

If you've visited Jean Philippe Patisserie, what do you recommend trying?

Jean Philippe Patisserie

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Bellagio, 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Open: Monday - Thursday 6am - 11pm, Friday - Sunday 6am - 12am

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