We taste a lot during the holidays, and especially, when it’s hot… ice cream! A benchmark global competition rewards the 100 best ice cream parlors in the world. In this ranking are 9 Belgians including 3 French speakers. And the flavors are very original…
In Italy, ice cream is an institution. It therefore seems quite logical that the most prestigious competition dedicated to ice cream craftsmen from all over the world takes place in the land of ice cream. Organized every 4 years, the “Gelato World Festival” evaluates more than 5,000 artisans from all over the world. The ranking is updated every year. The qualification process is long and includes local, regional, and finally, continental competitions.
Who are the 3 glaciers that are part of the world top 100 in French-speaking Belgium?
Fabio and Laetitia have been making ice cream as a couple for 17 years in their “Gourmand’ice” store in Verviers. Their latest creation: pistachio, ricotta, cherry coulis and pistachio crumble, has just placed them at the 90e world ranking of the 100 best ice cream parlors.
During the winter, the couple goes to train with the best Italian glaciers directly in Italy. It is also there that they get most of their ingredients. “Especially pistachios, almonds, etc. because they have an extraordinary quality“, explains Fabio.
In the display, 24 different flavors to constantly revisit. “The ice cream of 10 years ago is not the same as it is now. Before they were very sweet and colorful, and now they are not at all, the trend is completely reversed”adds his wife, Laetitia.
At the 96e place in the world ranking, “Pepe” in Etterbeek and Woluwe-Saint-Lambert with its special taste: cinnamon from Sri Lanka, caramelized pecan nuts and fleur de sel.
“Ice trend” in Namur rises to 85e place with a passion-mango sorbet, chocolate shavings, and a touch of pepper. The originality of the perfumes counts for a quarter of the points.
Fabio already has his recipe for next year: “We are going to make an original ice cream to mark the spirits”. And he even gives a hint: “There will be mozzarella di Bufala and the rest will be a surprise“. And yes, he can’t already reveal all his secrets…
The best ice cream in the world’s top 100 is made with milk, white chocolate and rose water. You have to go to Italy to taste it, and more precisely in the province of Savona.