Holiday events are fast approaching and the question is always what to serve. Brian, owner of the newly opened Gourmet Gelato & Coffee in Northeast Mesa has a cool option — serve gelato pies for dinner desserts, and parties.
“When thinking about the holiday season, it is common to serve pies like pumpkin and apple for dessert. So, I decided to create gelato pies for a different surprise treat,” Brian revealed.
He has come up with at least a half dozen special flavors that include the pie crust mixed right into the gelato flavor — similar to a Cookies & Cream-style ice cream. Brian has created Spicy Pumpkin, Caramel Green Apple, Key Lime, Banana Cream, Passion Fruit Cheesecake, and Peach Cobbler — with perhaps more to come.
“Party holders can special order any size cup or waffle cone cup packed with one or two flavors, and have them delivered or picked up frozen. We are one of the few gelato shops that offer two flavors in our smallest size cup.”
Brian also suggests ordering gelato cups and waffle cones or cups for that birthday party or shower to make it a more special event. In addition to the pie flavors, Brian offers 24 regularly available flavors such as White Chocolate Cherry, Bailey’s Coffee Crunch, or Birthday Cake.
“We successfully did a dinner party of 40 which was served in medium cups, and are currently working on a bridal shower. I would like people to know this can be made fresh, custom-ordered frozen and it will not melt on the drive home,” Brian said.
“For the lactose intolerant, we have several flavors of sorbet without dairy, such as Dark Chocolate, and all our berry flavors such as Triple Berry. And diet-conscious gelato lovers will be happy to learn that gelato has about half the calories per serving of ice cream. It has less fat and more taste.”
Party makers are welcome to come in and taste the flavors or give Brian a call to get more information.
But let’s not forget about the coffee part of Gourmet Gelato & Coffee. Brian opens up early at 7 a.m. for those who want their morning brew. He offers House Blend and American style, and coffee favorites such as lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas with a variety of syrup flavors. Almond and oat milk mixtures are also available.
Want a little gelato with your caffeine? Order an Affagato — your choice of gelato in a cup with a shot of hot espresso poured on top. There’s also a unique treat called a Gelato Slider. It’s a Hawaiian Sweet Bun filled with your favorite gelato topped with a white chocolate glaze, then heated. No, the gelato doesn’t melt. There’s also a variety of muffins and puff pastries to go with your coffee choice.
Brian is proud to say that all his gelato is house-made and fresh. “I always loved gelato, and one day I decided that’s what I wanted to do.”
Brian attended classes at Carpigiani Frozen Dessert University, an international school training in the art of artisan gelato-making. He then studied for two years under a mentor.
Gourmet Gelato & Coffee is located in the shopping center on the southwest corner of Power and McDowell roads. For more information, call (480) 415-8429. You can also follow them on Instagram @gourmetgelato&coffee