Gelato World Tour 2013

Melbourne is the third stop of the Gelato World Tour. One tour, eight cities and a whole lot of gelato. Gelato artisans from around the globe each showcase one signature flavour to compete in the international tour. It was only the best gelato I had ever tasted in my entire life. Quality gelato absolutely worthy of global recognition. During the tour the judges visit Rome (Italy), Valencia (Spain), Melbourne (Oceania). Dubai (Middle East), Sao Paulo (Brazil), Shanghai (Asia), Austin (North America) and Deutschland (Berlin). I was fortunate to have them stop in my very own town of Melbourne. What are the odds? It was definitely my lucky day/weekend.

The event was located at Argyle Square in Carlton, people were happily consuming their gelato in the park. There were marquees full of gelato artisans in their whites and tall chef hats serving masses of fresh gelato. People queued in anticipation to taste the different flavours that Australia/Oceania had to offer.

The event was well organised and the system was well thought out.  You buy a $10 ticket at the front marquee, tear your ticket on the perforated lines and exchange the pieces of paper for gelato at the stalls. The no cash handling at the stalls made it easy and fast to get your gelato. For $10 you get 2 cups and 3 baby cones and then you use the unique barcode on the ticket to vote for your favourite gelato. This was not an easy decision to make because most of the gelato was outstandingly delicious.

The 'Pure Sicilian Pistachio' got my vote from Gelato Amico, it was absolutely incredible. It is a milk-based pistachio gelato with pistachio topping using all natural, fresh ingredients and old-fashioned Italian recipes. Pistachio is not usually what I order when I get gelato but wow I was pleasantly surprised and in hindsight wished I had used my cup voucher for that one. Damn. It was made by Tino Tonon from WA which is a bummer because after the event I may not ever taste that sweet, smooth gelato again :(

The banana with dulce de leche was also my favourite. This one got Dan's vote. It tasted like fresh banana (like real fresh banana) with swirls of oozing dulce de leche caramel. It was light, creamy and magnificent. It's amazing how the flavours can make you feel like you are eating a complete dessert at a fancy restaurant in each spoonful. And lucky for me, this one is close to home, made by Mark Mariotti from 7 Apples Gelato in St Kilda.

The deconstructed Kaya Toast was interesting in a delicious way. It was created by Min Chai from N2 Extreme Gelato. Kaya is a caramalised coconut egg jam, which is usually served on buttered toast and is a common delicacy in Malaysia. His creation is a deconstructed form of the Malaysian classic, with pandan kaya gelato, with swirls of kaya and a Malaysian cream cracker crunch. Yum!

Yum, yum, yum, the Vulcano tasted exactly like a Ferrero Rocher in gelato form. It had all these yummy surprise bits in it like toasted hazelnuts, cereals and chocolate glaze.

The Pavlova gelato, yep tastes just like pavlova. This pashpav was a meringue based gelato with actual pieces of meringue and a passionfruit swirl. Yumness!

The mascarpone and fig was yummy too. It highlights the fresh flavour of figs and the gelato artisan Constantino Limoncella from Il Gelato had also won a Gold Award for it at the Sydney Royal Show 2013. Makes sense, it was delish!

And finally Tiramisu, need I say more. As stated on Gianpaolo Grazioli's gelato profile 'Ladyfingers dipped in coffee in a multilayered, textured egg-coffee custard. Decorated with white chocolate curls and a golden truffle.'

There was also some info sessions and mini-courses about gelato, the history, becoming a gelatiere, opening a gelato shop. Basically everything you need to know about gelato. This gelato man was having a great time dancing and playing air guitar in front of the stall. Maybe he had one too many gelato cups. I certainly did. Wow! Sugar HAze…I was drunk on sugar, it happens. But the event was prepared and had St. John’s ambulance onsite just incase of gelato overdose. It was great to be able to taste of all the best gelato of Australia/Oceania in one place. So much fun!

The awards ceremony for the world's best gelato was at 3pm today and the winners for Oceania were:
1. Melbourne's Gelato Messina with 'Cremino' their salted caramel gelato with house made gianduia fudge, fresh meringue and crushed amaretti.
2. NSW's Cow and the Moon with 'Mandorla Affogato' with Madagascan vanilla bean gelato with roasted caramelised coffee almonds folded through with a coffee caramel sauce.
3. NSW's Frangipani Gelato with 'Pavlova Gelato' a meringue based gelato with a passionfruit swirl mixed with meringue pieces.

I heart the Gelato World Tour!

Olives x

Gelato World Tour 2013
Address: Argyle Square - Cnr Lygon St & Argyle Place, Carlton Victoria 3053
Website: http://www.gelatoworldtour.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GelatoWorldTour
Event Dates: October 25^th-27^th 2013
Trading Hours: Fri 12.30am-9.30pm, Sat 11am-9.30pm, Sun 11am-7.00pm