I Scream for Gelato

Today, ice cream and gelato have become lifestyle products rather than seasonal ones," says Paramjeet Singh, director of Gianis Ice Cream. Singh's father started the popular home-made ice cream store in the '50s, which now has 35 branches all over North India — a testament to the cult following frozen desserts enjoy. Adds Michael Schauss, Executive Chef of the Pullman Gurgaon Hotel, "Gelati have become widely popular owing to their all-natural ingredients and low fat content, as people are becoming more conscious of healthy eating. The wide range of flavours that can be incorporated into them add to the popularity."

Gelato is a healthier option than the conventional ice cream as it has less fat, since it is made with a greater proportion of whole milk to cream. This difference (gelato's 5-7 per cent fat as compared to ice cream's 10 per cent), as well as the fact that gelati are a lot softer and creamier, have boosted the Italian dessert's glory.

Restaurants, especially different contemporary cuisine eateries, now regularly feature ice creams, gelati, sorbets and parfaits to accompany their main dishes or act as "palate-cleansers" between courses. Says celebrity chef and restaurateur Ritu Dalmia, "We use gelatis extensively in our restaurants and cafes. In Diva for example, we have a tomato and basil sorbet, which accompanies a tomato salad. Plus, of course, desserts are enhanced with flavours such as beetroot and balsamic vinegar or a candied orange and ricotta. It is no longer about just regular flavours, it is about an experience. When I eat a wild berry gelato, I should be able to smell and taste the forest."

Given the weather, "cold plates" are also in vogue. Akshay Batra, COO of Gelato Vinto, deconstructs the concept, "Built on the principle of a hot plate, a cold plate emanates cold waves instead of heat. So, we can set it up at caterings, with a variety of flavours of gelato and different toppings and fillings. And then, we can mix them on the counter and customise gelato sundaes," he says. For instance, in Sen5es at the Pullman, the concept is being marketed as an ice cream teppanyaki station.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Civic agencies could lose Rs 100 crore a year if Haryana buys Rajokri toll plaza: Delhi chief secy

The Revolutionary Road

Aarushi case: Talwar couples' statement to be recorded tomorrow

A Martyr’s Diary