Of course the world’s most liveable town needs to have its own artisan ice cream. Victoria’s Port Fairy was awarded that accolade in 2012 – heritage seaside location, lively arts scene, great restaurants and cafés. And the town’s Poco Artisan Ice Cream produces its signature frozen treats in-house from quality ingredients.
Established in 2001, Poco’s owners relocated to Port Fairy after running Glace Gelato in Sorrento.
The all-white décor is reminiscent of Poco’s sister gelateria, Miinot Gelato, back in Melbourne. Huge mirror with an elaborate frame behind the counter. Ornate old-style cash register. Retro light globes. But Poco is even smaller than Miinot – no room for any seating, and four customers create a crowd. However, there is plenty of room under the veranda out front to shelter from the weather.
Just twelve flavours on the menu, including both dairy and dairy-free options. The flavours change every day – locals speak in glowing terms about their favourites (fig and pear is clearly a highlight), hoping they would be back on the menu soon. Served in cups or cones, or tubs to take away, Poco only does ice cream – no shakes, coffees or elaborate cakes here.
Even on a grey weekend outside of peak holiday season, business was brisk. Queues at opening time are common. Even so, service was efficient, if a little brusque, and our wait was short.
My choice: non-dairy mango peach, paired with Moon Walk – chocolate ice cream, drizzled with dark chocolate and studded with feather-light meringue pieces.
Benny picked Temptation – a good sour cherry with chocolate drizzle – which he paired with Summer’s Coming – banana and coconut. The banana was super intense, but it totally overwhelmed the coconut.
Those quality ingredients made for great flavours and serving sizes were generous, however the texture of the ice cream was much lighter than Italian-style gelati.
UPDATE: Poco is currently closed.
Excellent ice cream, with an ever-changing selection of seasonal flavours. Check the opening hours before you visit – outside the peak holiday season Poco may be open only on weekends, and it is closed over winter.
Poco Artisan Ice Cream
27 Cox Street
Port Fairy Vic 3284
T: (03) 5568 1979
W: www.facebook.com/pocoartisanicecream/
