Our trip to Billy van Creamy was long overdue. We’ve run across its ice cream van at various events and festivals – obviously a more thorough investigation was needed.
With large communal tables, the Fitzroy North store is a lively and popular place. Even just after opening for the day (a weekday!), there was a queue of people super keen for their ice cream. The light filled space is decorated with cheery murals of ice cream cones, from artist Billie Justice Thomson. Continue Reading
Pagoto has moved! Our favourite place for Greek-style gelato is now slap bang in the middle of Eaton Mall – right in the centre of the Oakleigh dining action.
Our friendly hosts, Gerry and Netka, now have a much smaller space than the old place in Portman Street. But Gerry still makes all the gelati onsite, at the back of the store, and they still whip up fresh waffles. At the time of our visit, there was only room for 16 gelato flavours on display, but a new freezer cabinet was on its way, which will provide heaps more choice. Continue Reading
What is one of the best ways to survive Melbourne’s icy winter? Escape to a tropical paradise! And one of the many pursuits available in Hawaii? Searching for great gelato!
But finding artisanal gelateria in Honolulu proved to be a lot more difficult than you might expect. The local frozen dessert market is dominated by something called ‘shave ice’ – very finely shaved ice drizzled with brightly coloured syrups, often formed into a rainbow pattern. You can’t walk 100m in the famous beach area of Waikiki without going past at least one place serving shave ice. Is it any good? Shave ice is ok and certainly refreshing, but it has none of the great subtleties of artisanal gelato. After all, it’s just ice and syrup.
Thank goodness for the Internet. Targets were identified and I managed to visit two of them – Aloha Gelato and Via Gelato. Continue Reading
Winter is a quiet time in many of our seaside towns and Mount Martha is no exception. Despite the clear and sunny day, it was bitterly cold, but Chill Gelato was still open for business!
Chill has a modest little shop in Mount Martha village, just across the road from the beach. Out in front of the shop is a sunny spot with tables and chairs – perfect for relaxing with a gelato. A brilliant location in summer, but late on this winter’s afternoon Benny and I seemed to be the only people around. Continue Reading
Genuine Sicilian gelato chef? Beachside location with sunny aspect? Big range of flavours including vegan options? Super friendly service? Gelato UNOU ticks all the boxes.
Seaford has a great beach, even if it doesn’t have the spectacular views of the Amalfi coast. And now it has a lovely little gelateria. Gelato UNOU opened just before the start of winter. Its red and white striped exterior is easy to spot. Continue Reading
Someone, somewhere must be doing a roaring trade in gelato carts. They seem to be everywhere, at special events as well as more permanent installations. Just like at Chadstone, where St Kilda’s 7apples has a cart.
Every time we visit Chadstone, the shopping centre seems bigger than ever. The dining options are definitely improving. And we appreciate the option of decent artisan gelato for a break while shopping. Continue Reading