If you can't make it to Italy for authentic gelato this FALL, you're in luck. Fresh, handcrafted gelato outside of Europe is available right in downtown Sarasota at Fresco Italian Cafe E Gelato on Main Street. The cozy coffee and gelato shop is owned by Rafael and Luciana Pedroso, Italian natives who now live in Sarasota. The shop specializes in fresh, authentic gelato with flavors such as rum raisin, pistachio, amarena, Belgian chocolate, hazelnut, amaretto, salted caramel, coffee, mascarpone con arancia, tiramisu and cheesecake. Luciana—who makes all of the gelato flavors herself—says the specialty flavors like snickers and cookies & cream have been the shop’s most popular flavors this summer. Be sure to ask for a sample before choosing your cup or cone, although be prepared to have a tough time choosing—they’re all delicious. For a complete Italian experience, the cafe also serves cappuccino and other coffee beverages. Brightly lit with small tables and chairs throughout, Fresco is ideal for intimate conversations or fun family outings during the hot late summer months. Sprinkled throughout the gelateria are flowers because Luciana says, “I love flowers. They make me happy!” Visit Fresco on a sizzling summer day soon. It will make you happy, too. Fresco is open daily from 11am-10pm, 1536 Main St, Sarasota, 941-326-6621. SRQ