Frozen Dessert Is Teo’s Passport to World Champion Finals

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.

And the lines were prophetic. Taking third place overall, Lee won a stamp in his passport to compete in the World Champion Finals.

As a funny-small-world-crazy side note, when I chatted with Matthew, I discovered he trained with two renowned artisans in Florence, both of which I frequently visited when I lived there. One, Vivoli, I went to on a daily basis because my apartment was strategically located right above the shop!

Didn’t get a chance to attend the Gelato World Tour? That’s ok. You can still support Teo locally, any time you like. Head to 1206 W. 38th St. to try this award-winning gelato for yourself.

 

@jpino9 asks:

What’s your favorite gelato flavor?