First Look: The Pastries at Zero Gradi Will Fill That Dark Hole in Your Soul


Australia-based ice cream parlor and patisserie in downtown Dallas – sister store and neighbor to 400 Gradi – serves fantastic pastries and desserts. Both Gradi concepts are the work of Johnny Di Francesco, an Australian born chef who trained in Naples.
click to enlarge Zero Gradi is on Ross Avenue near the Arts District, across from Sloane’s Corner. The front of the building is under construction, which makes the entrance difficult to find but a little insistent. The payout is worth it.

There is no roadside parking, but you may be able to get a spot nearby. There is some 15 minute parking space in the garage behind the store. If you’re planning a trip to the Arts District, this is the perfect spot for a treat. Or to hide while your family members read walls.

Zero Gradi offers a full espresso bar, fresh pastries and more than 20 flavors of ice cream.

click to enlarge LAUREN DREWES DANIELS The real superstars here, however, are local pastry chef Lizzy Ramirez’s baked goods. The Brioche Veneziana (middle shelf on the left in the photo above) with a crispy exterior that fades into a spongy interior with custard is wonderful. More recently, Ramirez has added some fall-inspired flavors like a pumpkin spice and a caramel apple croissant. The pistachio croissant has dark green swirls and a dollop of soft custard inside.
click to enlarge Small but gigantic in taste.  - LAUREN DREWES DANIELS

Small but gigantic in taste.

Lauren Drewes Daniels

A “kid size” cup of ice cream comes with two flavors in a tiny cup with a small spoon. When they put mine on the counter, there might have been an audible “Oh …” of disappointment, because, ashamed, we are used to super big gulp portions of everything. This was a dollop of ice cream in Texas, something of a sample size in the Central Market. If I nodded after trying it, I would get the real size.

But one bite made it clear why this dessert is served in small portions; That’s big-bang-for-your-spoonful of ice cream. The taste concentration is intense and beautiful.

click to enlarge Two chocolate fountains;  perfect artwork near the arts district.  - LAUREN DREWES DANIELS

Two chocolate fountains; perfect artwork near the arts district.

Lauren Drewes Daniels

As if one of the gelatos could hold even more flavor, two chocolate fountains on the counter near the ice chest pour a continuous stream of milk and white chocolate. We need more continuous chocolate fountains in the world.

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Null Gradi, 2000 Ross Ave., # 170. Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday closed.

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