Mesa gelato shop offers place to grab a cool treat seven days a week
MESA, AZ (AZFamily)—Taste of Arizona checked out 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 gelato, which became a family favorite while his kids were growing up.
He’s at the shop seven days a week and makes everything in-store.
Pope says that when he left the corporate world, “I kind of wanted to do something where it brought families and couples together and something simple and something basic that they can kind of gather and enjoy a product that I like to serve, so I learned how to make gelato.”
Pope learned the basics from an Italian chef in Wisconsin, digging into the slow churn process.
“It uses more milk and when you slow churn it, you’re going to have more flavor and it’s more dense. So the beauty of it, it’s just a creaminess to it,” Pope shared with Arizona’s Family.
Pope still consults that chef with new ideas but says making the dessert is a fun, ever-growing process.
His shop offers twenty-four flavors daily, including the classics like stracciatella, raspberry, and chocolate.
Pope also rotates eight experimental, limited-edition flavors throughout the year. Right now, he’s testing out pink grapefruit.
He says customers often suggest new flavor combinations. Pope’s daughter also works at the shop and helps taste-test new recipes.
Gourmet Gelato and Coffee also offer unique flavors, such as creamy crème brûlée served with caramelized sugar on top, along with dairy-free gelato and sorbet options.
If you’re looking for an elevated treat, try the gelato slider. It’s a large scoop of gelato hot pressed inside a Hawaiian bun and drizzled with white chocolate.
Espresso lovers can also enjoy an affogato with any flavor of gelato. The shop offers classic espresso and coffee drinks as well.
Pope says he enjoys sharing the cool, sweet treat with gelato experts and novices alike.
“I love people that experience gelato, know gelato, and have tried this and know how it should be because all of our equipment and all of our ingredients is from Italy. So, it’s basically Italy kind of uprooted and placed here in Mesa,” Pope says.
In addition to being open seven days a week, Gourmet Gelato and Coffee also offer a gelato cart for catering. It contains six flavors and can be rolled to the occasion, like a wedding or a party.
Whether you’re looking to beat the heat or take the family out for a cool treat, this intimate space has bright, large windows and a covered outdoor patio.
Gourmet Gelato and Coffee
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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