GelatoMania a Haven for Gelato-licious Italian Ice Cream in Davao City
There is a new haven for gelato and Italian ice cream lovers in Davao City. Summer vacation is just a few weeks away and this place could be a perfect hangout to enjoy Italian ice cream.
GelatoMania finally opened last February 22, 2013. It is what we may call in Davao as our very own gelateria, a shop that sells and specializes only in gelato. We have been wanting to try this new gelato haven in Davao when we first heard about it from a friend. My husband and I first went there a few weeks ago and saw that it was still under construction then. Yes we were just too excited to try their Italian gelato. *wink*
Then I got an invite from Sarah who knew the Italian owners of GelatoMania – Sir Cesare Brescia (right) and Chef Francesco Pentaxiani (left), who studied becoming a Gelato maker at the Carpigiani Gelato University, known as being the best school in the world for Gelato. We met the owners and were able to have a chat with them about their gelato shop in Davao.
Gelato is what you call Italian ice cream. When I went to to Gelatomania during their opening day, this is what greeted me when I entered the store. Looking at their display of various flavors of gelato, I cannot seem to decide at first which ones to try.
Photo credits to DAVAOFOODTRIPS.com
Do try their Durian, Pistacchio (rich texture and taste that really makes you think of the real nuts), Oreo, Nocciola (hazelnut… I liked this flavor) and the interesting Lemon flavored gelato… all made by Chef Francesco. Gelato compared to the usual ice cream has less fat and has less or no air added. I hope they will have Mascarpone gelato soon! It is a personal fave gelato flavor.
I wanted to try them all and I tried. It was a gelato-licious afternoon treat even on a rainy Friday. Then I spotted the Durian flavored gelato!
The first gelato flavor I chose to taste was of course their durian flavored gelato. The king of fruits being popular and abundant in Davao City, I would usually look for this flavor in any food may it be gelato, ice cream, coffee or any dish or drink. The gelato indeed tastes like durian. It was like a lite version.
A taste of their Lemon flavored gelato… interesting taste. First time to try this flavor and I have not heard of any other gelato shops in town that has this flavor. Just a tip… don’t mix this with other gelato flavors. You know when I saw this I dunno but I thought about the animated movie Monster Inc with the yeti and his snow cones. Just a crazy thought that crossed my mind as I look into this purely white colored gelato. *wink*
And here are some of their gelato flavors…
Amaretto with amaretti or crisp nuggets of almond cookies.
Interesting color for their Oreo when we are used to the white color in the usual ice cream version.
Caffe gelato is for those who like coffee flavored ice cream.
Try their Nocciola… I like it.
They also served this one below… their Coppa Zuppa Inglese.
While we were waiting for the other bloggers, here was Chef Francesco showing us his freshly made gelato.
Chef also personally served us when we tried almost all their gelato flavors.
Interesting experience to see this dish of durian flavored gelato served like Italian spaghetti topped with cherry syrup that Sir Cesare served us when he was asked if they do serve pasta dishes particularly spaghetti, a popular Italian dish. I had to take a closer look because at first glance it really looks like spaghetti pasta. *wink*
The priest who blessed the store during their opening is shown here getting a serving of his choice of gelato. Shown here also is Ms. Grace and Sir Cesare.
Photo credits to DAVAOFOODTRIPS.com
People came in around 4PM-6PM for a gelato treat as they had a free taste test during their opening day.
Chef Francesco said he loves children and here he was chatting with the children outside who came to have a gelato treat with their free taste test that day. They chose not to open in the mall because they want to be closer to the people.
By the way, let me share this… they still have an opening promo that will end tomorrow February 28. If you want to try their gelato, do grab this chance because it is buy 1, get 1 FREE!
(Image credit: GelatoMania Davao)
See you there! *wink* They are open up until 10Pm to 11PM by the way. The gelato shop is managed by Sir Cesare’s mother-in-law Jenevina Dela Peña.
Gelato Mania is located at Door 3, Gahol Bldg., F. Torres Street, corner P. Tavera Street, Davao City. It is near the Phoenix gas station and in front of Iglesia.
Telephone Number: (082) 285 9972
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gelatomania-Davao/451419398250146
Twitter: @GelatomaniaDvo
Email: gelatomaniadavao@gmail.com.