A couple of gorgeous Spring days, then back to chilly winter like evenings. What better way to celebrate the return to ten degree temperatures than a visit to Il Melograno to reward ourselves with gelato! It's Melbourne. It's how we roll. I love how we roll, especially when it is a delicious gelato feulled roll. Stepping inside Il Melograno is an olfactory overload, in the best possible way! It took me a few seconds to figure out the initial scent as you walk in the door is not in fact food related, as furtniture related! The block wooden chairs and tables smell like freshly cut wood, and it's an amazing smell, especially when mixed with the delicious smell of coffee and food! Once inside, head straight to the concrete block counter, where you can request samples of gelato before settling on your final gelato selection. The samples are offered on little metal spoons...no plastic spoons or wee wooden paddles in sight! The staff who serve the samples are among some of the friendliest you will find on High Street - though I guess working in a polace where everyone is so happy would have a tendency to bring out the best in you! Vegan options form the gelato list are limited to sorbets, BUT, you will be blissed out by the options on offer. With the small cup (which is actiually an ice cream cone cup) you are able to choose two gelato flavours, while with the large cup, dazzle your taste buds with a selection of three flavours. For my selection, I settled on the straberry and lemon sorbets (a popular choice according to the woman who served me, and I can see why!). The strawberry sorbet was smooth and sweet, and the lemon bitingly delicious. My gelato companion in arms chose what she assured me, was a most amazing Dutch chocolate and rosemary gelato to complement her own strawberry sorbet selection. Unfortunately we were too full post gelato to try the coffee, which was receiving rave reviews from a couple nearby. There is also a dessert cabinet for those looking for something less chilly to have with their coffee or tea, in addition to a limited number of savoury foods if that takes your fancy. Il Melograno has been open for about nine weeks now, but already has a steady stream of happy customers which bodes well for its longevity in a competitive high street strip. Across form the Westgarth Theatre, it's well placed, and well worth the visit.
P.S. By the way, eftpos facilities, with no minimum purchase restrictions as an added bonus :) read more