I’m going to start this off honest and simple: I’ve never really liked gelato. Which doesn’t make much sense considering I love soft-serve ice cream. Regardless I’ve had Talenti, wasn’t impressed, and Mandy has offered a few alternatives all yielding the same outcome: euugh. But that all changed the day Mandy somehow convinced me to try Newbury Gelato.
I believe I was just at a point of exhaustion where I didn’t even know where we were going. Mandy said, “Don’t worry I know a good place for dessert!” and that was good enough for me. Next thing I know we’re in the parking lot for Newbury, and I see that word: gelato. Shivers go down my spine (I remember the Talenti!) but I’m too tired to argue so we go in.
Mandy insisted on trying each flavor before making a decision. Between the gelato and sorbetto, there are 20+ different flavors at any given time! How could I try each and every one of those flavors??? Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, Mandy recommended the Roasted Almond to start. The second that sampler spoon met my mouth, my life was forever changed. The gelato was silky and smooth, sweet with a dash of savory, finishing with a hint of roasted almond. Thus began a cycle where this gelato forever has a home in my freezer, and my heart.
Newbury Gelato: Website
Newbury Gelato Visit #1
With a taste for Newbury’s story in mind, let’s dive into my first visit (Mandy’s 3rd visit). After trying the Roasted Almond, a few other flavors caught my eye. To be specific: Stracciatella & Toasted Coconut were calling to me.
Stracciatella translates from Italian to “Little rags” in English. It is commonly used in describing three different foods: soups, cheese, and you guessed it, gelato. We don’t care about soups or cheeses in this post so fahgettaboutit. So, in the context of gelato, stracciatella refers to a vanilla base with shavings of chocolate added in, magnificent isn’t it? This would be the base for my first concoction.
Next, those coconuts. I could hear them miles away, and after another sample, inspiration she strikes! I asked the wonderful woman behind the counter, who had given me at least four samples at this point, for a half Stracciatella half Toasted Coconut in a large cup. My goal was to create a macaroon-esk gelato.
I figured that large was reasonable since the others were small for my taste. Boy was I in for a surprise. Scoop after scoop, layer after layer, my cup was filled and then some! If you’re struggling to imagine how much actually fit inside of that large let me help you.
In your mind, take that large cup, imagine it full, then put another large cup on top of it. The portions here are well worth it, trust me. I’ve been to places with half the size and double the price all for something that wasn’t worth the time or tummy-ache. But Newbury Gelato, they do not disappoint.
Newbury Gelato Visit #2 (Mandy’s 6th visit)
Something I want to emphasize to you here is that Mandy doesn’t wait for me to want gelato. This place is close to work for her and she adores it, I mean how could she not? The interior design is beautiful, just take a look:
If I were any closer, at this point, they might even know me by name, which is saying a lot. Now, the second visit, I was a bit more adventurous this time. Knowing what what Stracciatella, Toasted Coconut, Madagascar Vanilla Bean, Fresh Cream, and Espresso Chip tasted like, it was time to try a few more. I sampled my darling flavor, Caramel Sea Salt (which I knew would be divine) and Hazelnut (also to die for). I knew what I wanted instantly.
Another large cup, but let’s do three flavors: Caramel Sea Salt, Madagascar Vanilla Bean, and top it off with some Hazelnut. Goodness, just thinking about it puts the biggest smile on my face. My only regret, not ordering two!
First Time Visit? Here’s The Scoop
I bet you were thinking there would be a 3rd visit? Unfortunately, finding the time to slow down and enjoy the finer things is not my specialty. I’ve been gelato-less for a few hours. Who knows if I’ll survive! But seriously, if it’s your first time hearing about Newbury Gelato, my recommendation could not get higher.
Visit #1 Taste Test
My first cup was Coconut and Stracciatella to make some macaroon munchies, which was missing something at first. Mandy told me to toss some of her toasted almond in it which brought things full circle. If I were to describe these flavors individually: Stracciatella is on the creamy side, a bit more than normal, with hints of the chocolate that come on strong and leave fast. Coconut has A LOT of coconut shavings (texture sensitivity warning) but the shavings are what introduce a subtle and enjoyable coconut flavor.
Toasted Almond, oooh boy! It begins sweet with a touch of almond, but as the silky gelato melts, a saltiness appears unannounced. Not strong by any means, then for the rest of the time you spend enjoying the spoonful, this sweet & salty game goes back and forth. Shortly after, leaving you with a desire for more.
Every bite of this combination took me to a different moment in my childhood where everything was perfect.
Visit #2 Taste Test
This combo is a match made in heaven if you ask me, which you have, so go try it. Fine, fine, I’ll describe it.
This caramel combo consisted of: Caramel Sea Salt, Madagascar Vanilla Bean, and Hazelnut. Me and sea salt caramel go way, WAY back. It’s a flavor that can best be described as tasting salty like the ocean, with a caramel sweetness to match. That flavor combination was the foundation for this combo. So we have salty & sweet, sweet & salty, how can we compliment that? Hazelnut, it’s a pronounced flavor that packs a punch without overtaking the combo provided by Sea Salt Caramel. However, being so pronounced, we need to reel it in just a touch. This is where our Madagascar Vanilla Bean comes into play. Being the true neutral it balances the boldness of our other flavors perfectly!
Like I said, I only regret not getting two. These flavors combined brought me to my own little ocean view picnic table. There, I could just relax and listen to the breeze and enjoy the crashing waves of flavor. It’s moments like these that I look forward to most and Newbury has been the source of not one but two of those moments. I truly cannot wait for the third!
Newbury Gelato
If you haven’t been, be there. If you’ve already been, go again. I sure plan to! The people who own and run this establishment are just as sweet at the desserts they serve up. In addition to gelato, there’s warming cups of coffee or tea, and if you can’t make up your mind, you can get gelato in your coffee! Oh my gosh, I’m just seeing that they sell a gelato panini!?!?! Sorry, I have to go, this panini needs my attention immediately!
Mandy here: Chris is in the car already and he forgot to finish this up. Newbury Gelato is located at 317 Federal Rd, Brookfield, CT 06804, they have a Facebook and Instagram. Do us a favor and check them out, online and in store. Just be sure to tell ’em who sent ya!
Can we go to Newbury at Christmas time ?
Your descriptions left me drooling !!!
XOXOXO
Of course we can! I haven’t even gotten to try their sorbetto, but Mandy says if you mix the orange with vanilla it makes for a pretty delicious creamsicle!