Nitro Lab Gelato

One of the best parts of traveling is the people. Whether you're meeting and making new friends or catching up with those you've known for years, having someone to share new experiences with make those experiences all that more enjoyable.  On our recent trip to Melbourne I was lucky enough to catch up with several friends from years back before I was sent out to the middle of nowhere for work. The final of these catch ups was with high school friend Sam, who continued to live on in Melbourne post study. She is now happily ensconced in university-land, geeking it up with all the other geeks and talking about Doctor Who. At least I think she is, I don't science.

We had a lovely evening slurping giant bowls of pho in Richmond before Sam mentioned something that made my mouth-water, my eyes bug, my tummy gurgle and my feet almost start running out the door - nitro gelato!  I had never tried ice-cream made with nitrogen but the concept completely captivated me. We jumped on a tram and headed for the city centre. We couldn't have arrived soon enough. 

Despite a cold wind that had picked up that evening there were lines down the street. Every stool or tiny chair on the pavement was full as crowds of people, wrapped in scarves and hats tucking into cups of icy deliciousness.  We choose two flavours, and shared, although it took all my best manners to do so. The Ferrero Rocher was creamy and rich, topped with cocoa powder and chocolate wafers. It was good, don't get me wrong, but the magic of a ferrero rocher lies in the flavour that's packed into one mouthful, and that's tough to emulate across a whole cup.

Surprisingly, I preferred the Forbidden Apple Pie which was fruity, spicy and warming, with pieces of fruit woven through the creaminess of the gelato. It was everything a good apple crumble should be and more. It was quite heavenly and I was glad that Sam had started with this cup - if I'd have had it to start with I don't know if I'd have had the good graces to hand over the second half. I devoured my share in mere moments, digging the spoon into the curves of the cup for every last mouthful.

Suffice to say Nitro Lab is on the list for our next trip. I'm already dreaming of what concoction they'll come up with next!

Nitro Lab Gelato

235 Bourke Street

Melbourne CBD