There are very few people who don’t like ice cream but when you taste true Italian artisan gelato, your taste buds are in for something sensational. Opening recently at 14 Marriott’s Walk in Witney you will find the place to purchase a truly mouth-watering frozen treat!
Alfonso’s Gelateria was created by Lewis who was born in Rome and grew up eating one of his country’s specialist desserts. When he moved to the UK back in 2010, not only did he miss the flavours of gelato but also the lifestyle of sharing it with family and friends which makes Italy unique. When he had completed his Chemistry degree in 2015, Lewis began to experiment with various ice cream recipes which finally led to him starting his business in May 2018 when his original ‘Alfonso Gelateria’ food truck opened for business in the centre of Summertown in North Oxford. Since then, he has opened a number of shops, Witney being the latest.
So, what is so different about gelato? Like the artisan ice cream made in the UK, gelato is also made from a custard base of milk, cream, and sugar. However, gelato uses less cream compared to ice cream and eggs are not usually included as is the case of Alfonso’s gelato, which is egg-free unless a specific egg-yolk flavour is needed. Although many of the gelatos they sell contain dairy, they also produce water-based sorbet which is dairy-free and vegan and contains fewer calories but just as much flavour.
What Lewis has managed to do is not only to create a truly ‘buonissimo’ taste sensation, but he has also brought authenticity and a real taste of Italian culture to his shop locations.
“I decided on the name ‘Alfonso’ after my Italian Nonno (grandfather), who came to England in the 1950s. The lovely Ape vintage food truck that I use also came from just two miles away from where he was born near Naples. My mission is to present the quality and flavour of true artisan Italian ice cream to Oxfordshire and beyond.
Also, when I think of gelato, I think of community. If you go into a gelateria in Italy, it provides people with an occasion to meet up with friends, treat your family, see familiar faces and chat with people you have never met before. Generations of the family from young children to elderly grandparents love the taste of gelato. The design of my shops provides people with an open space where they can share a special experience and create lasting memories.
Whilst gelato simply means ice cream in Italian, everyone knows it is so much more than that. The creamy texture and lasting flavours make our gelato a gastronomic experience and a sensational treat. My recipes combine tradition and innovation. Whilst some of the flavours are classic, celebrating Italian heritage, by experimenting with different ingredients and combinations, we create exciting new and unique flavour sensations.”
Amongst the delicious gelato flavours, you will find classic Vanilla and Chocolate. However, more unusual combinations include Mint Stracciatella, Lemon Cheesecake and Pistachio. Some of the sorbets include Blueberry and Lemon, Ginger and Honey, and even Blackberry Kombucha.
To find out more visit alfonsogelateria.com or make sure to pop into the Gelateria in Witney.
