made in a Gelato Lab in New Jersey and
shipped fresh to the shop.
The second location at 40-12 34th Ave. will
include an in-house Gelato Lab, bringing the
gelato creation process to Astoria. According
to Ali, it will be larger and have more seating
capacity than the Ditmars location, which is
fairly small but does include a couple seats
by the windows overlooking the boulevard.
Ali said the vision for opening two locations
in Astoria was to bring business to both
ends of the neighborhood.
Customers have already noticed how
Vanila N Bean has fit right in and filled a
gelato-sized void in Astoria. Local resident
Linda Musich, a first-time customer at Vanila
N Bean, said she is not aware of another gelato
place in the area.
“I happen to like it, and it’s a nice addition
to the neighborhood,” Musich said.
In addition to gelato, the shop sells sweet
treats like cannolis and nutella croissants. The
cannolis and some of the other baked goods
are even prepared by DiMaggio’s own nephew,
who left Sicily to come to Astoria.
Heartier meal options include avocado toast,
sandwiches and personal pizzas. There is also
a current special that includes a bagel with butter
and a small coffee for $2.99.
Vanila N Bean offers some vegan-friendly
options, as well. There are currently two vegan
gelato flavors on the menu: kiwi spinach
ginger and avocado almond. Ali said more
vegan desserts and sandwiches will be coming
to the shop soon.
As for the drinks, the coffee bar serves
Joe Coffee, which was founded in the West
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