Gusnova = good service, great smoothies!! [It earns 3.5, not 3, stars.]
Though your inclination may be to get a scoop of gelato, and while the case is tantalizingly packed with numerous kinds of it, you should opt for a smoothie. A smoothie at a gelato place? Yes.
Next to the gelato in a separate counter is an array of fresh fruit. For the smoothies, the servers masterfully blend yogurt and fresh fruit, among other fresh and healthy ingredients, for smoothies. My friend absolutely loves the smoothies here and got me hooked, too. These are real smoothies, and each one that we have had has been the best smoothie we have found anywhere around. They are consistently good and well-made across the various times we have stopped during our shopping. My friend enjoys the mango smoothie, which is packed with fresh mango flavor. I try different flavors, and most recently got the piña colada; it tasted perfect, with real coconut and pineapple, small specks and grains from the fresh fruit!! Where can you get a smoothie that fresh without making it yourself at home? (I doubt mine would be expertly crafted if I made it myself.) There is no aftertaste and no regret with these smoothies.
Gusnova Gelato is well located just off Westfarm's main seating area with Starbucks, and is easy to get to going in and out of Lord & Taylor (and the parking outside it). The shop is always very clean and well-kept, maintained to perfection by the staff. Each server I have had here has been very kind and very friendly. All the servers work hard to dish or cup the shop's cold treats and have the right touch making smoothies. They work efficiently, too, and you have your treat within a minute of ordering.
Despite the freshest and best smoothies, there are several downsides of Gusnova Gelato. One drawback is the prices. A small smoothie calls for your wallet to give up close to $5, and nothing under $5 can be charged. You splurge for a fresh and fantastic treat and good service. Another minus is that the shop does not do gift cards or gift certificates. I wanted to grab one for my friend's birthday as she loves it here so much, but could not after making a special trip here to get one. A final drawback is that the shop is in the mall. The smoothies are good, but how much do I really want to walk into the mall to get one? It is perfect when I am already there for something, but I do not make a point to go to Westfarms just to get one because it is so difficult and time-consuming to park and get in.
Gusnova Gelato will fill you with freshness in its smoothies and show good service. I am not a gelato person, so I cannot speak to how good the gelato is, but based on the high quality of the smoothies and good service, you should make a point to try this place--that is, if you are already in the mall and need a cool break from shopping. read more