Cremino in Menaggio & Pralinato in Torino

Perhaps you've heard it's been hot, hot, hot in Milano? Over the past few weeks we've escaped the heat a couple of times so I've taken my gelati tasting challenge to some nearby towns.

In Menaggio, on Lake Como, we followed the crowd to Gelateria Edo. After dinner we joined the rest of Menaggio milling about in the main square puzzling over which flavour of gelati to choose.

For Nic the tub of Nutella meant her choice was made. Too easy. 

I needed a little more research time. Relying on the crucial qualitative research technique of observation, I closely watched the locals to see what was the gelato of choice in Menaggio. As I stood in the middle of the throng a pattern of flavour choice emerged. 

Cremino, the house specialty, was the most frequently chosen.

Taste test

If you like gelato with your Nutella, as Nic does, then her flavour choice was a winner. 

Cremino had a thick swirl of gooey caramel laced through the delicious vanilla gelato. More creamy than I usually enjoy, but once again not too sweet. 

Delicious? Yes.

Perfection? Not quite.

Gelati rating

Nutella  *****

Cremino ****

Several weeks later we didn't quite escape the heat of Milano. We took a fast train to Torino to support Stefano's sister, Carmel, who was playing soccer for the SydneySiders in the World Masters' Games. While we warmed up watching from a shady spectator stand, Carmel ran around on a scorching soccer field.

With our temperatures racing there was only one solution. Walk quickly to the Torino's world famous foodhall Eataly for some cooling gelati.

 

 It was there where we tasted perfection. Pralinato!

Taste test

Pralinato - large chunks of caramel coated almonds are generously studded through the smooth, light vanilla gelato making an exquisite combination of texture and flavour. Perfection!

   

Gelati rating *****+

Pralinato was similar to, but even better than, the previously reviewed Croccante. 

The winning detail was the abundance of crunchy toffee almonds.

Delightedly tasting perfection - Pralinato! Carmel with her team mate Leanne.

Try them here
Gelateria Edo
Piazzia Garibaldi, Menaggio

Eataly
via Nizza 230/14 
10126 Turin

 We are planning a return trip to Torino in Autumn. Are you surprised?