When in Philadelphia, eat as the Romans eat.
Capogiro Gelateria is slated to open on the ground floor of the Radian early this April despite some initial "problems," according to Capogiro chef and owner Stephanie Reitano.
Although she did not elaborate on the difficulties the company has been having, she specified that this restaurant will be different from Capogiro's other locations.
Aside from its signature ice creams and sorbets, the cucina Italiana will serve a unique extended menu - including alcoholic drinks such as Gelato cocktails.
"We wanted to have a true Italian cafe where students, professors and neighborhood residents can come together, have a cocktail with crostini and bruschetta or have some gelato at the day's end and decompress," Reitano wrote in an e-mail.
College sophomore Hannah Skop said she's excited about the store's opening.
"It will be a good addition to campus because Reel Scoops isn't as good as Scoop DeVille," she said, referring to a current and past ice cream option in Houston Hall, respectively.
Unlike other Capogiro locations in the city, this store will also offer authentic Italian meals in addition to its usual eclectic flavors of ice cream and sorbet.
The morning cuisine will include a yogurt bar with fresh fruit and hot cereal, among other breakfast items.
As for drinks, Capogiro will offer the classic La Colombe coffee.
College freshman Aliana Greenberg said she calls herself a "European fanatic" - which is part of the reason she's eagerly awaiting Capogiro's completion.
"I'm so happy one is opening here," she said, "especially because I'm going to be living so close to the Radian next year."
Reitano explained that the Radian is a great place to house Capogiro.
"A beautiful space is part of our business plan, and finding one on campus with a view of the park was fantastic," she said.
When the weather permits, she added, outdoor seating will be available in order to emulate an Italian piazza.
"We are looking forward to this April," Reitano wrote. "It cannot get here fast enough."
