For the past year, Balsano's has been spooning up gelato -- a richer alternative to American ice cream -- in 35 flavors. Besides covering the chocolate spectrum, from choco-hazelnut to choco-butter-rum to choco-caramel, Balsano's also has candy mix-ins such as Butterfinger and cookies, and nondairy confections such as strawberry and cinnamon-apple made with real fruit. "It goes down very easily, but you're not supposed to eat it in big chunks like you do American ice cream," says owner Tam Haas. There's no air whipped into it, which makes it dense and decadent. "It is incredible stuff, and it's a much healthier alternative to American ice cream," Haas says. "You're supposed to take your time and relax and eat this stuff." The taste may even help those with a penchant for overeating. "You don't pile it high. You can, but if you pile it too high, it's just a little too much."
