Italians branch out some but generally keep it in check such that quality control does not suffer. I'm referring to Versailles Cuban at MIA Airport ... or The Varsity at Atlanta Airport ... and they hike the prices for that "privilege."
I didn't even know there was another Giolitti location in and around Rome. I just happened to be walking around the lake in the middle of Roma-EUR - a master planned and manicured residential, commercial, and civic edge city of Rome proper. The lake is flanked by parks and greenbelts and a Giolitti was staring right at me.
I wasn't all that hungry, but I went in to look around. Giolitti is in a stand-alone building in the park. Inside, it has a more casual atmosphere and decor. I did not find it crowded. The service was good and even more relaxed than what I found at the main location.
The selection seems to be a little slimmer than at the main Giolitti store in the historic center. In addition to gelato, they also have pastries (including a few of the standard Sicilian ones), tramezzini (small sandwiches), and "toast" with fillings such as cheeses and deli meats (yes, the Italians have borrowed yet another word to pronounce with their overly round vowels). I selected a tramezzino, got the smallest cup of dark chocolate gelato, and a soft drink. I ate the tramezzino at the cafe' and took the gelato with me as I walked around the lake and back toward the Metro. This location of Giolitti is fine even though the feel and ambiance are completely different. read more