Vero Gelato Breakfast at Mariano's Chicago

As part of a sponsored post with Collective Bias, I ate Vero gelato for breakfast before shopping at Mariano's. It's not the first time I've had gelato for breakfast this summer nor will it be the last time. How can I resist those icy cold trays of frozen goodness? With at least 20 flavors to choose from, I can try a new one every shopping trip I make for the rest of the year!

Vero is one of the reasons why I love shopping at Mariano's. It's a part of my shopping experience. When we pull into the parking lot, V is already picking out which car cart she will drive. She "drives" up to the Vero counter and I buy coffee and gelato. I eat V's substantial leftovers (She's a responsible driver. She can't eat and drive.) We shop and enjoy a few food samples along the way.

My experience was elevated this week, when I visited the Chicago West Loop location. I had the opportunity to meet Angelo Lollino, Director of Vero Cafe. He filled me on his family's long history in the art of making espresso and gelato. I was also able to gain insight into why Vero gelato is so dang good.

1. It's only 4% butterfat with little air infused so it has a rich flavor. Traditional ice cream has 15% - 30% butterfat. It can have as much as 50% air infused.

2. It's made fresh in small batches. Vero's gelato lab in Kenosha, WI makes 350 - 400 pans per day. All employees have been trained in the art of traditional gelato making.

3. All natural ingredients are used that are imported from Italy. You are getting an authentic, true taste of Italian gelato. No powders or chemicals are used.

It's only natural that Vero (which means true) would end up working so well within Mariano's markets. You can find fresh produce and products throughout Mariano's and also in Vero cafe.

After our gelato talk in the cafe,  I had a couple (or 3) of scoops. I went with 2 of the most popular Vero gelato flavors - chocolate and coconut. I know. Coconut is surprising, right? It's one of my favorite flavors so I'm glad to see it's catching on.

I did do some some fruit shopping while I was there. If you've been to Mariano's lately, you may have noticed the 3rd anniversary Customer Appreciation Celebration in full swing.  There's a giveaway of $50,000 in prizes! Each time you checkout with your Mariano’s card, you receive an entry into the sweepstakes.

Prizes include: Fiat Pop 500, luxury Italian vacation, free groceries, Ravinia Gala Experience, bikes, Lollapalooza tickets, and a guitar autographed by the group Train.

Plus, earn 1% cash back on every $50 in qualified purchases once your total goes over $650 now until October 19th. Be sure to have your rewards card activated!

There's also the Share A Taste contest online. Upload a photo of your food creation from Mariano’s for a chance to win a cooking experience and dinner for 10 with a Mariano’s Tastemaker Chef!  Six additional winners will receive $25 Mariano's gift cards.

Visit Mariano's on Facebook or Twitter for more Customer Appreciation Celebration updates. Check out my Vero Cafe album on Google+ to see more pictures of my awesome Mariano's shopping experience.

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for #cbias and #MyMarianos.

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