Gentrification Watch: Ciao Bella
Following on the heels of its new organic section, the Associated on Flatbush has started stocking Ciao Bella sorbet and gelato. Currently going for over $5 a pint, it is not a cheap dessert.
I confess, however, that it is awesome. The Dark Chocolate Jalapeno and Chocolate Hazelnut gelatos are particular favorites as is the Coconut sorbet (which is apparently no sugar added, though that's hard to believe).
Got a tip for Gentrification Watch? Please send it along. (NB: "the Hawthorne Street blog" doesn't count.)
"Got a tip for Gentrification Watch?" Q.E.D., but you beat me to it.
Posted by: Matt | October 15, 2009 at 07:07 PM
I'm writing about gentrification in Kensington.
Besides pricy gelato, what are your personal indicators of gentrification?
I wrote more about it here.
Posted by: Andrea Swalec | October 16, 2009 at 04:59 PM
I was psyched about this, 'til i realized I could get Ciao Bella (admittedly on sale) for $3 at Fairway. Just confirmed my view that this Associated is a rip-off. 'course i can't go to Fairway that often, but it really makes me peeved at Associated. I'd be curious to know how much rent they pay vs. Fairway. Mebbe Fairway got a good deal on its lease, since it made such a big contribution to Red Hook by moving there, but i bet the associated owners are making some pretty big margins. i bet fairway pays its employees better, too. basically, i think if the world were run half as well as Fairway, that'd be great. instead, i fear its run just as badly (prob. even worse) than our local Associated.
Posted by: Dan Freed | October 19, 2009 at 01:52 PM
Is Fairway unionized? The Associated is.
You can't compare sale items or promotions to regular prices. I got organic milk when it was on sale at Associated for $2.50 half gallon.
Posted by: carrie | October 19, 2009 at 02:46 PM
I love Ciao Bella too, and I think it's expensive everywhere; $6 a pint seems average. Papa & Sons has carried it for at least a year now, albeit sporadically. Does the Associated have a better selection?
Posted by: gw | October 20, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Dan, I also think you have to account for the fact that Associated almost certainly buys in substantially lower quantities than Fairway does.
Posted by: Charles Star | October 20, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Ha--maybe i should stick to what i know, which, unfortunately, is not much. But there is this: CB malted milkball is very very good, CB banana mango is very very not.
Posted by: Dan Freed | October 20, 2009 at 12:58 PM
I AM OBSESSED with the Ciao bella raspberry sorbet!! I can't find it in Kensington anymore, though... guess it's time to spoil a certain toddler, eat some indian food and buy sorbet in bulk!
Posted by: dawn summers | October 20, 2009 at 05:44 PM
The Pioneer around the corner on Parkside now carries Sabra hummus. No more trying to make my own. I set the blender on fire last time.
Posted by: Matt | October 21, 2009 at 03:11 PM