This Dallas-based gelato cafe is a rising player in the dessert-based franchise scene, with this Lakeview location the second to spring up in Illinois (the first was recently opened in Forest Park, with a third Chicago-area location coming soon to Bolingbrook).

Paciugo's original founders have roots to Italy, the Mecca of gelato, and the company's meteoric rise could doubtlessly be tied to the creamy treats, authentic recipes and the overwhelming amount of flavors. Mediterranean sea salt caramel? Pineapple mint? Where do they come up with this stuff?

Step up the counter and goggle at each flavor. The company boasts about 200 milk-, soy- and water-based entries overall, with around 30 flavors available daily. Old, trusty choices like chocolate chip and cheesecake are usually on tap, but you'd be remiss not to experiment with something like black pepper olive oil or brown sugar waffle cone. Make sure to check out the company Web site, which not only provides the day's flavors, but even gives a good effort at describing each one. And, since this is a cafe, Paciugo brews its own Gran Miscela roast, as well as silky smooth dark hot chocolate. For the best of both worlds, try one of the cafes affogato selections, and have a scoop of melty gelato plopped in your coffee.

This Lakeview location is a long, rectangular room, with a creamy-blue color scheme that tries to feel as pleasant as a cup of ultra-thick gelato. Comfy, modern furniture entices the visitor to sit down, relax and elegantly enjoy the treat (or gorge yourself messily). The view outside may not be a picturesque Italian landscape like the logo depicts, but it's a little easier to handle Broadway when you're full of gelato.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Andy Seifert