MESA, AZ (AZFamily)—Taste of Arizona reviewed a viewer recommendation for Gourmet Gelato and Coffee in East Mesa.
Valley dad Brian Pope opened Gourmet Gelato and Coffee two years ago after getting ice cream that became a family favorite as his children grew up.
He is in the store seven days a week and makes everything on site.
When Pope left the corporate world, he said, “I wanted to do something where families and couples could come together, something simple and basic where they could come together and enjoy a product that I loved serving. So I learned how to make ice cream.”
Pope learned the basics from an Italian chef in Wisconsin and immersed himself in the slow stirring process.
“It uses more milk and when you let it churn slowly, you get more flavor and it’s denser. The nice thing about it is that it’s just creamy,” Pope told Arizona’s Family.
Pope still consults the chef for new ideas, but says making the dessert is a fun and always challenging process.
His shop offers twenty-four flavors every day, including classics like stracciatella, raspberry and chocolate.
Pope also offers eight experimental, limited-edition flavors throughout the year. Right now, he’s testing Pink Grapefruit.
He says customers often suggest new flavor combinations. Pope’s daughter also works in the store and helps try new recipes.
Gourmet Gelato and Coffee also offers unique flavors, such as creamy crème brûlée with caramelized sugar on top, as well as dairy-free gelato and sorbet options.
If you’re in the mood for something really special, try the Gelato Slider, which is a large scoop of hot-pressed gelato in a Hawaiian bun, drizzled with white chocolate.
Espresso lovers can also enjoy an affogato with any flavor of ice cream. The shop also offers classic espresso and coffee drinks.
Pope says he enjoys sharing the cool, sweet treat with gelato experts and newbies alike.
“I love people who know gelato, know gelato, have tried it and know how it should be, because all of our equipment and all of our ingredients come from Italy. Basically, it’s Italy uprooted here to Mesa,” says Pope.
In addition to being open seven days a week, Gourmet Gelato and Coffee also offers an ice cream truck for catering companies. It includes six flavors and can be served depending on the occasion, such as a wedding or a party.
Whether you’re escaping the heat or cooling off with the family, this cozy space features bright, large windows and a covered outdoor patio.
Location: 6727 E McDowell Rd #105, Mesa, AZ 85207
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday – Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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