Looking for a hot spot to cool off in Taranaki this summer? Well, look no further because I’m going to tell you about three of the tastiest places to grab a creamy, dreamy dessert!
Out in Oakura, Serial Griller is known for their delicious smash burgers, but I have a feeling this summer people will be flocking to their little red caboose for one of their exceptional sundaes! Owners Dave and Keren Kurth, as well as their son Max, love to play around with exciting flavour combinations to produce sundae specials that keep their customers coming back for more. Using vanilla soft serve as a base, they create flavours that range from your standard chocolate and strawberry to Burnt Miso Caramel and Szechuan Chili Crisp.
All of their out-of-the-ordinary elements are made in house, from the miso caramel sauce and assorted crumbles to their sesame seed brittle and candied chili peanuts. They also offer a Neapolitan flavour range of milkshakes made using Kaitake Fresh Creamery milk, which are the perfect size to have alongside any of their mouth-watering burgers. Serial Griller will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week this summer, making any day a great day to have a spectacular sundae!
Back in New Plymouth, Sean Bevan is bringing authentic Italian gelato and sorbet to his South Seas Ice Cream Company customers. His nostalgic connection with the decadent treat began during family trips to Morelli’s Gelato in southeast England as a young child. Now he’s creating his own range of enticing flavours that can be found at The Kiosk in Fitzroy or from Kat’s Gelato Van, who you can find at events all over Taranaki. One of the most popular flavours is Roasted Hazelnut. It is a smooth, rich pint of nutty, sweet perfection. Vintage Passionfruit is different to the other gelatos, as it is made with no milk – cream only. The result is dense, silky, and absolutely bursting with bright, tangy flavour. My favourite is the delicately textured Coconut. There’s nothing better than a scoop of tropical summer vibes!
And let’s not forget the sorbets! I don’t usually find a sorbet creamy, but a cone of their Chocolate & Vodka sorbet had me doing a double take. If you’re a chocoholic like me, this one is for you. While there’s no South Seas shop open as of yet, you can place an order for your favourite flavours to be delivered right to your door by calling or texting 027 944 7944 or via Facebook and Instagram.
Perhaps you love a chilly treat, but dairy is a no-go for you. Your answer to a summertime scoop is Inglewood’s Little Liberty. Reopened in March 2022, this plant-based ice cream establishment has become one of Taranaki’s go-to dessert destinations – especially for those with food allergies or special diets. None of their products contain dairy, gluten, soy, or egg and their sorbets are nut-free.
Inspired by her youngest daughter’s reaction to being able to enjoy her first taste of Little Liberty’s MYLK Chocolate ice cream after having missed out all her life due to a severe dairy allergy, Rebecca Chubb decided to buy the creamery when its founders Chester and Melissa Young put the business up for sale. Together with co-owner Peita Kensington, the business has grown and expanded to offer home delivery, a variety of new flavours, and my favourite addition – ice cream sandwiches! Sure, a cone or a cup of Hokey Pokey and Raspberry Ripple are great, but when you put their award-winning Almond Mocha in-between two chocolate chip cookies, you’ll find yourself enjoying a mouthful of a masterpiece! Visit their Matai Street shop from 3pm to 8pm on Thursday and Friday and from 12pm to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun at the beach or enjoying a long summer’s day at home, I hope you’ll take the time to enjoy the colourful flavours that our local culinary creatives are whipping up. With a little something for everyone, you’re sure to find a new favourite to share with friends and family while making the most of these warmer months. And that, my friends, is what’s Tasty in Taranaki!