Vaniglia & Cioccolato

"Stopped in for a pastry, a chocolate cake slice, a Biscoff cake slice, and gelato. $30 later, we got home and were very excited to try our desserts. Unfortunately, we had to throw all but the gelato out. When we walked in to order, there was a strong smell of cleaning products. Best way to describe it would be the smell of Fabuloso. It was a pleasant smell, but it was a bit strong. When we got home and tried the pastry and cakes, everything tasted just like the place smelled! It was like eating chemicals. Absolutely horrible! They must clean their coolers with it, or there is an intake system on their coolers, that draws in the smells from the outside because it was the exact same with all three items. Regardless of what the cause is, it is getting absorbed into the food. I thought maybe it was just me, but I looked at some of the other reviews and there have been a few other complaints similar to this in the past. After further research, the FDA advises that one should not consume any food that has come into contact with cleaning fluids, to prevent health risks; including chemicals which have absorbed into food through the air. I really hope they can resolve this because everything looks delicious and I would like to give them another try. I just can't, in good conscience, give something to my family that smells or tastes like cleaning products. Adding the following after the business responded: If the coolers are not cleaned with the product mentioned, the smell is getting into the coolers and absorbing into the food some other way. Obviously, I am not making this up as the business owner responded and admitted to using the product Fabuloso. It can literally be tasted in the cakes and pastries from the front cooler. Further, I never mentioned that the business had any issues with the Health Dept. or FDA. I was simply stating that after doing my own research, I was able to identify this hazard (on the FDA website). I don't want a refund, I want the business to resolve their problem. Other patrons have listed the same funny taste/smell. They clearly have a problem to resolve. It's not the customer's fault."

"Vaniglia & Cioccolato was opened by Italian Stefano Quilli. After attending Gelato University in Rome, he opened his first gelato shop in Italy in 2003. His goal was to come to the United States so in 2009 to raise funds, he sold his shop and opened Vaniglia & Cioccolato in Pembroke Pines. As you walk up to the shop you can see the unique Gelato ATM on the front of the building. It features a picture of the owner's son. it is so cool that even when the shop is closed you can get gelato from the machine. The inside of the shop is darling. It transports you to Italy with paintings made by the owners wife, pictures of Rome. and cozy red and white tables. Large cases are filled with gelato but they also sell freshly made crepes, assorted pastries, candies, and other treats. I love indulging in Italian gelato when I can find it. Gelato is lower in fat than ice cream as well as creamier and smoother. It is served at a warmer temperature than ice cream so you are better able to taste the more intense flavors and it's not scooped but served with a spade. With so many flavors of gelato here, it was hard to choose. The had the standard Italian flavors you would expect to find like hazelnut, Nutella, and stracciatella, an Italian vanilla with chocolate shavings along with other flavors like mint chocolate, caramel, mixed berries, strawberry cheesecake, mango, birthday cake, pistachio, and my choice, a small cup of refreshing mocha coffee. If you are enjoying gelato with several people you can get different sized styrofoam coolers packed with gelato to go starting at $12. If you care about what goes into your body like I do, you will be pleased to know that the gelato is made with all natural ingredients, fresh fruit, and is coloring and preservative free. I loved my visit to this charming gelateria. While we were enjoying our frosty treats we got to watch the crepes being made. The Nutella and strawberry one was right up my alley. I have to come back for that next time I am in the area"

"Very good service. I am a frequent customer and the ice cream is always good. Fabiola gives the best service!"

"Excellent little gelato place tucked away in a strip mall in Pembroke Pines. I also saw a number of other desserts there, including crepes, cakes, and an assortment of baked goods. Cozy little spot where you can sit down in comfort and enjoy your dessert. Big props to the interior decor as well."