Residents of El Dorado County smile big when they hear the name “Shorty’s,” and those smiles have grown even bigger since the business settled into a physical location and started serving gelato. I must admit, this wasn’t my first time trying their goodies; I’ve visited their donut truck and stopped by their bakery too many times to count. On this occasion, however, my husband and I each ordered a piccolo (small) gelato with two different flavors: Banana Dulce de Leche & Salted Caramel for him and Dark Chocolate & Blood Orange for me. I’m a huge fan of any fruit mixed with chocolate and this combo didn’t disappoint. The bright, tart citrus mixed perfectly with smooth dark chocolate. I traded a taste with my husband, and we both agreed that he also picked a winning combination. (If you’re curious, other flavor options included lemon, mint chip, maple pecan, espresso, and strawberry.) We tried a Lemon Blueberry Donut as well. Although I wished for a bigger punch of flavor, I was happy to have a gourmet donut waiting for me the next morning; just kidding, we ate it later that night! If you’re not into gelato or donuts (though, who isn’t?), Shorty’s also has cakes, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, tarts, gourmet candies, chocolates, and more to please any palate.

— by Bella Nolen
Our region is rich in gelato options. Enjoy some of the best Italian-style ice cream at these sweet spots.

 

Cià Di Gelateria
2784 East Bidwell Street, Suite 100, Folsom, 916-817-1430, ciagelato.com
MUST-TRY: Popsicle Gelato

 

GB Gelato
6241 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Suite H, Carmichael, 916-200-6069, gbgelato.net
MUST-TRY: Banana Split Gelato

 

Julian’s Pâtisserie & Café
6610 Folsom-Auburn Road, Suite 7, Folsom, 916-936-4735, julianscafe.com
MUST-TRY: Biscotto Cookie Gelato

 

Miabella Gelato
1198 Roseville Parkway, Suite 140, Roseville, 916-415-7075, miabellagelato.com
MUST-TRY: Gelato Cupcake

 

Sweet Dozen Cones
807 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-358-9832, foodiecones.com
MUST-TRY: Strawberries N’ Cream Cone