La Gelatiera - Long Review
This artisanal gelato is strategically positioned in a busy covent garden thoroughfare. The window dressing is minimal allowing a glimpse into the small and homely space inside. Through the eclectic seating, decoration and of course, the flavours, run a clever central theme of natural and organic components and ingredients. The staff are well acquainted with their product and happy to dive into conversation and help, if asked.
The journey was started with one of their daring and popular flavours, honey, rosemary and orange zest. The ice cream appears well-composed without excessive glossiness. The rosemary studded scoop emanated a strong feeling of being at the herb garden next to the kitchen at home. The addition of honey helped warm up the mildly overpowering rosemary edge. The fusion of the different ingredients and flavours are masterfully executed. The proof is in the melting which takes just long enough to rally the taste buds and then lingers with a natural finish.
The decadently dark, dark chocolate sorbet was next. Its seductively rich tone mysteriously held onto the cocoa flavours giving nothing up until the first spoonful landed in the mouth. Once there, its smooth texture gradually finished to a very fine cocoa residue adding a little variation in texture. With flavours aplenty, complex tones of spice and nuts come and go. A little toasted hint imparted an edge to this smooth experience.
Finally, an inviting and warm pistachio flavour awaited our full attention, and from the first moment – it had it. The pastel shade of the gelato imparts a natural aura. Like the chocolate, the full effect was felt once it melted in the mouth. It was an explosion of roasted nuts, with a smooth high of flavour in the middle phase. This high then flattened out and lingered to the end. The intensity of flavour was pitched perfectly. Any more, and it would overwhelm.
Like a good thing in a small package, this niche little artisanal has skillfully crammed nature’s bounty in various combinations into each and every spoonful.