Genuine Gelato Gets Just Desserts

Takapuna Beach Café & Store was awarded the Supreme Award for a Boutique Manufacturer for its Lime Curd and Coconut Gelato at the 15th New Zealand Ice Cream Awards. The coveted award was announced on the 26th May at the annual conference in Queenstown.

Owners Scott Brown and Jackie Grant, along with Executive Chef Jo Pearson, have done their research and travelled the world - including the home of Gelato, Italy - to get inspiration and advice on making their gelatos and sorbets truly world-class. All gelatos and sorbets are created on site by Jo Pearson, using organic and natural products where possible.

Mrs Kay McMath, the Chief Judge who has been judging the NZ Ice Cream Awards since 2002, comments, “The combination of flavours in this gelato was described by judges as a clever blend of tropical flavours, blended perfectly with a smooth velvety texture.”

As well as the Supreme Award, Takapuna Beach Café & Store also scooped up the Kids Choice Category with its Double Chocolate & Honeycomb Gelato, and Sorbet Best in Category with its Mango Sorbet.

Not a stranger to the NZ Ice Cream Awards, Takapuna Beach Café & Store won the Supreme Award in 2009 for its Licorice Gelato. Mango Sorbet also won Sorbet Best in Category in 2009.

The Takapuna Beach Café & Store gelatos and sorbets have a devoted following, and people travel from all over New Zealand to taste an award-winning scoop. They are also now available at The Store on Kohi in Kohimarama, but it is unlikely you will ever be able to buy a tub of them from your local supermarket.

“We’ve been approached to manufacture our products for supermarkets, but that is not the plan. We enjoy making smaller quantities and being free to experiment. We also like to be able see people take their first mouthful, and watch their reactions,” says Scott Brown.

For more information on the Awards and the Café visit the following websites:
www.nzicecream.org.nz
www.takapunabeachcafe.co.nz

Takapuna Beach Café & Store is located at 22 The Promenade, Takapuna. Café is open seven days a week from 7am to 4pm. Store is open from 7am to 6pm.