teo - The Austinot

Vote for Strawberry Nutella Toast in the Tèo Gelato Flavor Creation Contest

April 6, 2018 by Samantha Saenz Leave a Comment

Strawberry Nutella Toast at Teo Gelato Austin

Want fresh strawberries, swirls of Nutella, and biscotti chunks? Order Strawberry Nutella Toast gelato at Tèo
(Credit: @dollarsaenz)

You scream, I scream, we all scream for…gelato! This popular saying typically ends with “ice cream,” but after you try the award-winning gelato at Tèo Expresso Gelato & Bella Vita, I’m pretty sure you’ll consider the permanent switch like I have.

For the past few months, I’ve been secretly working with Tèo owner, Mathew Lee, in his kitchen to create my own one-of-a-kind flavor for the Tèo Flavor Creation Contest. Strawberry Nutella Toast is the result of my work, and I’m proud to say it’s every bit as good as it looks and sounds.

Eager for a taste and more info on how you can support Austin Pets Alive!? Keep reading.

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Get Your Fall Flavor Fix at These 6 Austin Eateries and Sweet Shops

October 20, 2017 by Samantha Saenz Leave a Comment

Kerbey Lane Pumpkin Pancakes and French Toast

Pumpkin pancakes and French toast are back at Kerbey Lane (Credit: @dollarsaenz)

You know what they say, “At the stroke of midnight on Sept. 1, everything turns into pumpkin spice.” Although temperatures in our capital city have only gone from hot to not so hot, pumpkin everything has spread like wildfire amongst the city’s eateries. In celebration of the season, here’s a roundup of fall treats that are far from basic. In fact, these mouthwatering flavors are sure to put you in the mood for fall. You may even find yourself pulling out those sweaters and scarves, even if it is to wear them in the air conditioning of your own home. [Read more…]

Interview: Teo Prepares to Represent Austin at Gelato World Tour

May 27, 2016 by Kristin Leigh Leave a Comment

Teo Gelato (Credit: Shyla Ray)

Having built a tidy gelato empire in central Austin, fourteen years ago and counting, it would be reasonable to assume Teo Gelato owner Matthew Lee would want a few years to sit back and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

But Lee is among the restless culinary artisans who are never satisfied to sit back. Even after his 2014 success at the Gelato World Tour Finals in Rimini, Italy, as the top American-born gelato maestro in North America and, more recently, being the recipient of H-E-B’s Best In Texas award, Lee is throwing his hat in the ring for another Gelato World Tour Competition. This time the event is in Chicago on May 27-29, 2016.

He will be flavorfully armed with a caramel-laced, bourbon-infused [Read more…]

Frozen Dessert Is Teo’s Passport to World Champion Finals

May 19, 2014 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

My Vespa, Valentina, at the Gelato World Tour

When I heard that the Gelato World Tour was coming to Austin, I immediately penciled in time in my jam-packed schedule to attend.

In true stereotypical Italian fashion, I hopped on my Vespa (Valentina) and scooted down to Republic Square to check it out. There, I found sixteen gelato artisans from around North America battling for one of three spots to participate in the World Champion Finals in Rimini, Italy this fall.

The only Austin-based participant was Matthew Lee of Teo Espresso, Gelato & Bella Vita (Matthew told us he was the only American competing), so obviously I was a bit biased. I wasn’t able to actually sample his gelato submission because I’m allergic to nuts. But the lines that formed tempted me to pull out my Epipen just for a taste. [Read more…]

Teo Gelato Celebrates 10 Years of Quality and Considers Expansion

June 3, 2013 by Brittany Highland 8 Comments

In 2002, Matthew Lee quit his high tech job to open a gelato and espresso shop in Central Austin called Teo Espresso, Gelato & Bella Vita. In the beginning, there were naysayers who doubted that Lee would be successful. “What do you know about gelato?” he remembers hearing.

But the truth is, he did know something about gelato, even then. Lee trained in Italy with renowned gelato makers, like Antonio Lisciandro, considered the best gelato maker in Florence. His knowledge and skill has continued to grow over the past decade of Teo’s existence. Today, he can effortlessly spout off [Read more…]