New Gelateria Opening Next Week in Red Hook

Pictured: Kristina and Pierre inside Dolce Brooklyn. Photo by John V. Santore

RED HOOK, BROOKLYN, NY — "It starts with, 'Where can I get ice cream?'" Kristina Frantz explained on Friday.

After she and her husband, a former French journalist and media entrepreneur named Pierre Alexandre, moved to Red Hook four years ago, they came to notice a lack of local options for frozen delicacies.

Their answer to that need is their new business, Dolce Brooklyn, set to open next Wednesday at 305 Van Brunt St.

Kristina said the shop will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., and will begin be selling Italian-style gelato, sorbeto (commonly known here as sorbet), espresso and tea.

Dolce is using local ingredients whenever possible, she said, including coffee beans from Italy imported by Red Hook's Espresso Emporium.

Some of the initial gelato flavors to look forward to include fior di latte (milk and cream, without additional flavoring), pistachio, and amarena cherry, though the menu will keep rotating. Savory gelatos are planned as well, including ones infused with olive oil and gorgonzola cheese.

Fior di latte. Photo courtesy of Kristina Frantz .

Kristina and Pierre said they're especially excited about serving affogatos — gelato with espresso poured over it.

An affogato. Photo courtesy of Kristina Frantz.

In the fall, the menu will expand to include paninis, Kristina said, adding that Dolce will also be offering cakes made to order.

Tiramisu semifreddo. Photo courtesy of Kristina Frantz.

For now, she and Pierre are looking forward to serving the after-dinner crowd strolling up and down Van Brunt.

"Everyday I probably have 20 people stop by and say, 'When are you opening?'" Kristina said.