Gelato, A Culinary Art Trend

                                         Credit: Helen Rosner

Basil, Parmesan, and scrambled egg… far from typical gelato flavors, these wacky creations are appearing on menus across the world.  The pioneers of the exotic gelato trend are forerunners to note during July’s National Culinary Arts Month celebrations.  Veering from the course of traditional and pushing culinary limits are highlighted features of honoring Culinary Arts Month, and there certainly is a bundle of it out there to explore in the gelato industry.  Gelato has lent acquiescence to five star dining, breakfast, and hangover cures in the limelight of sweeping food trends. 

For the sophisticated palate the fine dining appearance of gelato is becoming increasingly more common.  The cold treat makes a nice pairing in local produce flavors, such as basil, tomato, and jalapeno when plated with a simple dish, such as a mozzarella salad.  Snap that theory into reverse and the gelato can take on the cheese role with flavors ranging from Parmesan to ricotta and served with roasted vegetables and a balsamic and olive oil drizzle. Steamroll: gelato actually does indeed come in both balsamic and olive oil flavors as well.  Do not hesitate to try these atypical flavors, the result in any which way presented, is a true culinary delight. 

"Heaven"

Bring on the bacon! Salted buttered caramel bacon gelato is described as “Heaven” in the recipe title on Chef Tom’s Blog; he created this dream come true.  A London gelato shop has delved into the breakfast scope of gelato with scrambled egg, Blood Mary (apparently gelato is recommended as a hangover cure), and with adaptations of breakfast cereals and staples such as French toast and pancakes. Some forward thinking bartenders have infused gelato with different spirits and liqueurs to capitalize on the presence of the buzz gelato brings to a (drink) menu.  The fact that gelato has been validated to be eaten first thing of the day or used for a ‘cheers’ by a group of friends, sounds like complete culinary achievement.

Be on the look out for the evolving and limitless trends and celebrations of gelato particularly this month in the realm of culinary achievement.  Be sure to explore local communities, National Culinary Arts Month brings special menus, superior creations, and an advantageous opportunity to explore food trends. Enjoy the traditional but revel in the delectable art of the gelato trends, for breakfast anyone?  

What is the most outlandish gelato flavor you have ever tried?