Mayor Cuts Ribbon on City's Newest Gelato Place

, Highland Park's newest cafe and gelato place, celebrated its ribbon cutting Thursday with and members of the .

"This is a wonderful addition to Highland Park," said , a local realtor and vice president of the Ravinia Neighbors Association. "It's like a little piece of Italy right here."

Though the cafe, located at 1823 St. Johns Avenue, strives for an Italian look, owners Jill Gross and Amy Touchette, explained that what it offers is mostly local. The soups come from Three Tarts in Northfield, the gelato comes from Michigan, the coffee comes from Link's Sweet Bean in Wilmette and most of the baked goods are made in-house.

"We want to have the best of local products," Gross said.

The cafe has seen a lot in the two months its been open. Like many ComEd customers, it suffered through during the and last week it served as a spot for residents who witnessed the at the across the street to discuss what happened.

"A lot of people have thanked us," Touchette said. "We've had a very warm reception."

As the weather gets colder, the owners plan to extend its Friday and Saturday hours so people can sit and read on weekend evenings.

See photos from the ribbon cutting above.