Gelato Heaven Right Here In Melbourne
For the sake of being unpredictable I chose to forgo the hot cocoa and instead opt for gelato, that classically summertime treat that is somehow absolutely appropriate even in the harshest of winters. Melbourne is without a doubt the gelato capital of Australia. So enthusiastically have Melburnians licked their gelati that it is now part and parcel of the city, in much the same way curry is now the national dish of Great Britain. I admit to being one of those unadventurous, conservative customers who are so content with just one or two flavours that I end up eating the same thing at every visit to the gelato bar. At Lygon Street’s Il Dolce Freddo, the generous selection of mango, tiramisu, Snickers, strawberry and cookies n creme are gone to waste as I tread the safe path and choose my all-time favourite gelato combo : hazelnut roche, pandan coconut and frutti di bosco. The hazelnut roche is as indulgent as its namesake, with massive chunks of roche bits scattered throughout the gelato. The pandan coconut exudes the subtle, fragrant aroma of pandan that marries well with coconut, while the frutti di bosco combines the sweetness of berries with the rich comforting tang of yoghurt. Melbourne’s gelato scene reflects the diverse make-up of its citizens. The gelato here is not confined to traditional Italian flavours like baci and lemon sorbet, treating eager lickers with quintessentially Aussie concoctions like Violet Rumble, Ice Vovo and sesame caramel, made famous by the Trampoline chain of gelato bars. Asian flavours get a resounding nod, with green tea, durian and lychee & lime sorbet famous with both locals and international residents alike. Whoever says multiculturalism is not good for Australia obviously hasn’t had a lick of her best-tasting gelati.