Bringing ‘haute ice cream’ to the world

Bringing ‘haute ice cream’ to the world

Aucklander Gianpaolo Grazioli is one of only 16 chefs who will be competing in Melbourne next month for a place in the finals of a competition to find the world’s best gelato.

The Gelato World Tour competition is being held in eight cities across five continents, with the top three from each city’s event competing for the title of “World’s Best Gelato” at the Grand Finale of the Gelato World Tour in September 2014 in Rimini, Italy.

Contestants in each heat are required to present a single ice cream flavour that combines tradition with innovation and brings out the taste of the best ingredients. Their ranking in the competition will be based on a combination of votes by the judging panel and members of the public visiting the event.

Mr Grazioli, who is the chef Giapo ice cream shop at 279 Queen Street, is hard at work refining the tiramisu creation he will make at the competition. Mr Grazioli says he wants his entry to be more than just a delicious treat for the judging panel and visitors to the show: “I am passionate about designing ice cream that creates emotions, surprise and delight.

“I want people to feel inspired when they eat my ice cream and I am now doing with ice cream, what haute couture has done with fashion,” he says.

Mr Grazioli’s ever-changing ice-cream menu at Giapo reflects this philosophy as he pushes the boundaries of what ice cream means to people.

In addition to an innovative range of custom-made flavours (such as caramel popcorn ice cream, and winter sangria gelato) Giapo has also delighted customers with the world’s first warm ice cream, and - few other pastry inventions.

“The number one rule is that it should always be delicious” he explains, “ but my ice cream is also art and I put a lot of labour and love into making sure it looks beautiful.”

As a result, all ice cream and gelato flavours come with special garnishes, toppings and pastries – all created fresh every day by Mr Grazioli and his team.

Italian born Mr Grazioli is a self-taught ice cream maker who combines his love of science, discovery and creativity with wholesome food.

Since opening Giapo in 2008, Mr Grazioli has gathered a loyal following of fans from the world over. So much so that many local and international reviewers rate Giapo as the world’s best ice cream – a sentiment that bodes well for success in the upcoming Gelato World Tour competition.

ENDS

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