The chocolate fountain: Vanini

****For some reason Vanini is now called Vittorio – but it’s just the same store. And more important: the same ice cream!****

The liquid chocolate cascading down the wall like a waterfall seems to come right out of a tale or a child’s dream. It’s certainly the eye-catcher at Vanini Swiss Chocolate since 1871, latest addition in Palma’s old town. And the store even features two more chocolate fountains, one producing white, the other one dark chocolate. Not only for decoration but for a very tasty reason.

Apart from a large selection of finest chocolates and pralines Vanini also offers ice cream. The portfolio is small but in addition to instant classics like the fabulous pistachio Vanini manufactures seasonal sorbets and ice creams. Lemon is an absolute must in the Mediterranean, unforgettable since Paolo Conte’s Gelato al limon. With passion fruit definitely up-and-coming. It goes without saying that Vanini serves a couple of fancy chocolate flavors.

And then there is the special treat with the chocolate fountains. The friendly staff sprinkle some chocolate in your cone before they fill it with ice cream. Or, if you prefer a cup, you get a waffle with fresh liquid chocolate. In both cases the ice freezes the chocolate which results in an extremely nice taste. There are a few exquisite heladerias on Mallorca but Vanini made it to one of the best ice cream parlors in Palma in no time.

The history of Vanini Swiss Chocolate since 1871 dates back, yes, to the 19th century in Lugano where Vittorio Vanini opened his pasticceria. The Italian speaking part of Switzerland probably brought together the best expertise in the makings of ice cream and chocolate. Vittorio’s successors kept his passion and although, or maybe even because they have grown their business beyond borders still focus on quality and fair trade.