Dog Days of Summer

Black Dog Gelato is one of the most allusive treats in Chicago. You hunt it down at fine establishments all across the city. Well kiddos, rejoice because the search is over. After years of begging and pleading, Black Dog is finally opening a Brick and Mortar store in June. They will be taking over the former Piccolo Cafe space at 859 North Damen in the UK Village. As one of their former clients, it won’t be much of a stretch for Oloroso to get her sorbet and gelato fan base built up.

Black Dog was founded by Jessie Oloroso, former pastry chef of the United Center and Scylla working under Stephanie Izard, Chicago’s own Top Chef. Jessie is already busy filling 50 to 60 gallons worth of orders a week to some of the city’s best restaurants including Socca, Goose Island, Old Oak Tap, Sepia,  Uncommon Ground, Broadway Cellars, Gruppo di Amici, The Drawing Room, Think Cafe, Southwater Kitchen, Vella Cafe and Old Oak Tap, to name a few. She was also the exclusive pastry chef to Izard’s wandering dinner series.

Her flavors are rich, creamy and extremely memorable. With off the wall seasonal varieties like goat cheese cashew caramel, sesame fig chocolate chip, Mexican hot chocolate, cassata and cucumber rosewater sorbet, you will remember her for her signature  whiskey gelato bar dipped in milk chocolate and rolled in candied bacon. Just add a cigar and you have an old man’s delight.

Oloroso will also offer gelato making classes starting in November.

Black Dog Gelato, 859 N. Damen, Chicago (opening soon).