Via Gelato

Lemon Crunch

I don't know how we got here. But, in Hawaii, we enjoy cakes a certain way. We have our own culture and understanding when it comes to cakes. I'm looking at you Dobash Cake, Chantilly Cake, Lemon Crunch Cake...

I've never seen these cakes anywhere else, but in Hawaii, you can guarantee how these cakes are put together and taste.

In the case right now, is Lemon Crunch - as a limited nostalgic gelato flavor. It's literally Lemon Cake ice cream with a caramel coated crunch inside. Perfect reason to bring Dad and the fam this weekend for Father's Day and this long holiday weekend we're enjoying.

Also, for your pleasure - I made an ice cream cake version and cut it up into slices for you to enjoy. It's lemon soaked lady fingers and the Lemon Crunch gelato layered with Vanilla Bean gelato on top.

What are your guesses for the classic flavor that I'm planning on bringing back next week? 🤔

The Menu

Classic + Nostalgic Flavors:
Lemon Crunch
Vanilla Bean
Coffee
Frosted Flakes
Almond Cookie
Oreo Cookies and Cream
Fierce Chocolate
Haupia (v)

Signature + Unique Flavors:
Matcha
Houjicha Honey Milk
Banana Genmaicha
Halo Halo
Black Sesame

Specialties:
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Milkshakes
Brownie Sundae
Halo Halo

Refreshing Flavors:
Lilikoi (v)
Guava (v)
Strawberry (v)

Gelato Sandwiches:
Soba Cookie Sea Salt Vanilla
Ube Rice Krispie Treat

Sugar Free:
Pre-Packed Sugar Free Pistachio

Gelato Cakes:
Strawberry Shortcake
Tiramisu
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Oreo and Chocolate

Gelato Cake Slices:
Strawberry Shortcake
Lemon Crunch Cake
Matcha Cloud Cake

Hawaii ❤️‍🔥s Lemon Crunch 🍰 Click here for an update from Via Gelato!

"Is It Traditional?"

Yes and No. It's actually the best of both worlds🔥

This is the spread that I made for Halo Halo. There are some traditional elements to it and there are some traditional things omitted like the shaved ice which I decided to replace with our Haupia Sorbet. What it's not missing is all best feelings of a Halo Halo: it's light, refreshing, and full of exciting textures that all complement one another. There are plenty of friendly and familiar flavors at their best: handmade azuki beans and my leche flan which might take position as best you've ever eaten. There is ube ice cream with kernels of frozen corn.

It's not as strange as you might think. A lot of people eat corn in ice cream because it's sweet and when it's frozen, it resembles the pleasing easy textural crunch of young coconut.

I could list off all the stuff in it, but that actually wouldn't do it justice or paint the experience that you have when eating it. It's so perfect for right now - summertime because it's super refreshing - each bite is so full of complimentary textures and flavors and you're constantly discovering a new favorite combination of flavors. If you're looking for something not too sweet, jam packed with handmade stuff, and want something rather light and refreshing I think you'll find this very satisfying.

The Menu

Nostalgic and Classic Flavors:
Coffee
Cookies and Cream
Frosted Flakes
Vanilla Bean
Haupia Sorbetto (v)
Almond Cookie
Fierce Chocolate

Unique + Signature Flavors
Banana Genmaicha
Matcha
Horchata + Pumpkin Jam
Halo Halo
Houjicha Honey Milk
Black Sesame

Refreshing Flavors:
Lilikoi (v)
Strawberry (v)
Guava (v)

Specialties:
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Halo Halo Sundae
Brownie Sundae

Gelato Sandwiches:
Soba Cookie + Sea Salt Vanilla
Ube Rice Krispie Treat

Pre-Packed Sugar Free:
Pistachio

Gelato Cakes + Slices:
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Oreo + Chocolate
Strawberry Shortcake
Tiramisu

⚠️Time for HALO HALO!🍨 Click here for an update from Via Gelato!

BANANA GENMAICHA

Banana ice cream tastes better if you roast the bananas first, so that is what I did. I roasted these bananas in their skins until they turned completely brown; almost black. Do you know what kind of bananas these are? They are so tiny and short.

Roasting them concentrates the flavors and the natural sweetness making a comforting banana flavor. I've paired it with a Genmaicha ice cream because they go so well together and I thought this would be a unique combination with a familiar flavor. Genmaicha is roasted brown rice tea with sencha. Paired with the banana it tastes like a banana pie (the genmaicha part being the pie part).

Try it before I get tired of roasting and peeling bananas.

The Menu

Unique + Signature Flavors:
Pandan + Rice
Matcha
Black Sesame
Banan Genmaicha
Houjicha Honey Milk

Classic + Nostalgic Flavors:
Almond Cookie
Coffee
Cookies and Cream
Fierce Chocolate
Frosted Flakes
Vanilla Bean
Haupia (v)
Mint Chip

Refreshing Flavors:
Strawberry (v)
Lilikoi (v)
Guava (v)

Specialties:
Milkshakes
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Brownie Sundae

Gelato Sandwiches
Soba Cookie Sea Salt Vanilla
Ube Rice Krispie Treat

Gelato Cakes
Strawberry Shortcake
Tiramisu
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Oreo Chocolate

This Flavor is BANANAS 🍌 Click here for an update from Via Gelato!

Had an Orange Creamsicle?

This flavor instantly transports me back to being a kid. I've recreated this nostalgic flavor by marbling a tart orange sherbet with a creamy vanilla. I've been enjoying watching kids choose this flavor all week long, and sharing a bite with their sister or mom to show off and share what a good flavor it is.

Look closely and you can spot the Cara Cara orange zest in this. It takes soooo many oranges to make this one flavor, so enjoy this while I we have it. It's limited, so make your plans to stop by this weekend.

The Menu

Signature + Unique Flavors:
Black Sesame
Matcha
Houjicha Honey Milk
Pandan + Rice

I watched a woman come back two days in a row for Pandan + Rice. It's that special, and it's on its way out. I think it really says something that I'm making something that lives so strongly in someone's mind that they have to come back the very next day to have it again. It's made with authentic pandan leaves that I picked for the strongest natural aroma of popcorn meets jasmine rice. If you've never had rice mixed in ice cream (an Italian thing) now is your chance to try why people like it - it starts off as a crunch then quickly melts in your mouth to chewy then ends creamy like risotto. This is your last call for this flavor.

Classic + Nostalgic:
Almond Cookie
Coffee
Cookies and Cream
Fierce Chocolate
Haupia (v)
Frosted Flakes
Orange Creamsicle
Vanilla Bean

What makes our vanilla so good? Both the inside of the pod and the outside of the pod has vanilla flavor. I use the whole thing to make vanilla extract from scratch, and then I use the whole thing ground to a powder which are the flecks you see inside. If you're springing for buying a vanilla bean at home, DO NOT just scrape the inside! Don't waste the pod! If you're infusing something, split it in half lengthwise and cook the whole thing - pod as well.

Refreshing Flavors:
Guava Sorbetto (v)
Lilikoi Sorbetto (v)
Strawberry Sorbetto (v)

Specialties:
Milkshakes
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Brownie Sundae
Soba Cookie Sea Salt Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich

Gelato Cakes + Slices:
Strawberry Shortcake
Chocolate Oreo

Tiramisu Gelato Cake

Chocolate Haupia (v) Gelato Cake

When Was The Last Time You... Click here for an update from Via Gelato!

Houjicha Honey Milk

This week, I'm featuring Houjicha Honey Milk - and I'm hoping when you taste it you can appreciate the journey that got me here.

I went to Japan and brought my ice cream maker so that when Japanese companies would send me samples of their tea, I could make ice cream with it to try out which ones to bring back for you.

The ice cream maker took up most of the room in my suitcase. So you might be wondering, why not just drink it to taste it?

It's actually not enough to simply drink it - I have to literally make it into ice cream to know if it's going to be special enough to feature. The tea has to have a strong flavor to really shine through the milk. I've been making Houjicha for awhile now, and I've found that while I love the tea that I always use - it wasn't familiar enough. Typical, regular houjicha often is just the roasted leaves or some roasted green tea leaves and stems. The tea I have been using is stems only. Which personally I love because it has a super unique flavor and aroma. I've picked up another houjicha in Japan and brought it back to Hawaii to blend with what I've been serving and I think you'll really enjoy its familiar flavor and aroma. My friends in Japan tried it and they think it's "way better than what is served even in Japan". Which is a pretty high compliment!

The Menu

Signature + Unique Flavors:
Houjicha Honey Milk
Black Sesame
Matcha
Pandan + Rice

Rice in ice cream? Yes, it totally works. First off - I love the flavor of pandan. It's the most warm comforting aroma to me. And rice goes so well with that comforting flavor. It's in the ice cream mainly for texture. At first bite, you think it's crunchy, but it quickly changes due to the temperture in your mouth to something creamy resembling risotto soaked in ice cream.

Classic + Nostalgic Flavors:
Fierce Chocolate
Cookies and Cream
Coffee
Frosted Flakes
Almond Cookie
Haupia (v)
Pistachio Toffee (limited)

I received a Trader Joe's omiyage gift of pistachio chocolate covered toffee, so I've chopped it up and folded it into Pistachio gelato for this really decadent flavor. Come quick, because I only received 1 omiyage gift - when this sells out, it's all pau.

Refreshing Flavors:
Strawberry (v)
Lilikoi (v)
Guava (v)

Specialties
Affogato
Milkshakes
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Soba Cookie Sea Salt Ice Cream Sandwiches

Gelato Cakes
Strawberry Shortcake
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Tiramisu
Oreo Chocolate (available whole and in slices too)

A Long Journey for A Long Weekend Click here for an update from Via Gelato!

Cherry Chocolate Amaretto

I made a limited 1 time batch of this super nostalgic throwback flavor - Cherry Chocolate Amaretto. It's got that classic almond creamy gelato flavor with little bits of chocolate covered cacao nibs from our local chocolate maker Manoa Chocolate, and of course the scratch made black cherry reduction. I just put this out, and I wouln't take any chances waiting!

This Week

Classic and Nostalgic Flavors
Fierce Chocolate
Coffee
Vanilla Bean
Cookies and Cream
Haupia (v)
Frosted Flakes
Cherry Chocolate Amaretto
Strawberry Gelato

Signature + Unique Flavors
Black Sesame
Bridgerton Earl Grey Creme Brulee
Thai Tea
Chocolate Pringles
Matcha

Want to taste the matchas that I brought back from Japan? I did about 8 tests in Japan to select these two matchas that I'm using to make our matcha gelato. It has bitterness and tannins that wonderfully balance out the natural sweetness with a hint of that classic matcha umami - perfect for all of you who want something NOT TOO SWEET!

Refreshing Flavors
Lilikoi (v)
Guava (v)
Strawberry (v)

Sugar Free Flavor
Coffee (pre-packed)

Specialties
Brownie Sundae
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Gelato Cake Slice

I just cut up this Oreo and Chocolate gelato cake into slices - it doesn't have to be your birthday to enjoy an ice cream cake 🍰

Gelato Cakes
Strawberry Shortcake
Chocolate Haupia
Tiramisu
Oreo Chocolate

For when you do have a special occasion you want to celebrate (don't forget it's graduation weekend!)

⚠️Super Quick Throwback Flavor Click here for an update from Via Gelato!

Earl Grey Creme Brulee

Such a classy lovely flavor. When I unveiled this Bridgerton flavor, I noticed that it really hit a chord 🎹🎶with a lot of women, myself included. I love the flavor of earl grey. The bergamot that I brought back from travelling really flavors this deeply and it's that citrus zest that hits the top notes to balance out the tea tannins and creaminess of the gelato. And the crunchy bits of french brulee just give it some extra interest and wow.

Mother's Day Menu!

Classic + Nostalgic Flavors
Fierce Chocolate
Coffee
Vanilla Bean
Oreo Cookies and Cream
Haupia (v)
Frosted Flakes
Almond Cookie
Salted Caramel

Signature Flavors:
Matcha
Black Sesame Honey Crunch
Thai Tea
Genmaicha
Bridgerton: Earl Grey Creme Brulee

Specialties:
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Milkshakes
Soba Cookie Gelato Sandwich
Brownie Sundae

Gelato Cakes:
Strawberry Shortcake
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Oreo Chocolate
Tiramisu

I made lots of ready-made gelato cakes just in case you want to grab something to take home to celebrate this weekend!

Moms ❤️ Bridgerton Flavor Click here for an update from Via Gelato!

Happy May Day!

It's been very lovely seeing all of you come in with leis and your keiki. I love flowers all year round, but it's really lovely to see everyone celebrating the Lei Day spirit!

Genmaicha

The new flavor I made for you to try this week is Genmaicha. It's a roasted brown rice that I brought back from Japan mixed with sencha. I've never had creamy Genmaicha ice cream - have you?? I think you should definitely try it. The roasted brown rice reminds of kakimochi in a really lovely way.

The Menu

Signature Flavors:
Genmaicha
Black Sesame Honey Crunch
Matcha
Thai Tea

The Thai Tea ice cream that I've made is really special - it's Thai Tea yes, but over a base of French Caramel and Vanilla. A Thai Chef Yao, told me that her favorite Thai Tea place is in Bangkok. My friends went specifically to this place and they told me that what makes it special and memorable is the flavor notes of caramel and vanilla; and that's what I've tried to recreate for you here.

Nostalgic & Classic:
Fierce Chocolate
Coffee
Vanilla
Cookies and Cream
Haupia (v)
Frosted Flakes
Salted Caramel
Almond Cookie
Butterbeer

Last chance to grab Butterbeer! I know this was a requested flavor, so time to get this brown butter infused Scotch Whiskey flavor. It's actually quite nice paired with Genmaicha.

Refreshing Flavors:
Guava (v)
Lilikoi (v)
Strawberry (v)

Specialties:
Chocolate Haupia Sandwich
Soba Cookie Vanilla Sea Salt Sandwich
Brownie Sundae
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Affogato

PRE-PACKED PINTS:
Butterbeer
Coffee
Cookies and Cream
Lemon Sherbet
Thai Tea
Vanilla Bean

PRE-PACKED VEGAN PINTS:
Guava Sorbetto (v)

PRE-PACKED SUGAR-FREE:
Sugar-free Coffee half-pint

GELATO CAKES:
Oreo & Chocolate
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Strawberry Shortcake
Tiramisu (available in slices too)

Genmaicha and May Day - not related Click here for an update from Via Gelato!

Ube Rice Krispy Treat 🍦

I love this idea that I've brought to life - combining the textures of Rice Krispy Treat (gooey, chewy, light popping of the puffed rice) with the creamy texture of Ube gelato. It's so inventive, but at the same time all familiar elements. I feel like if you're looking for something new to experience this weekend, this is perfect and it's only for this week, so you'll definitely want to swing by if you want to catch this flavor.

The Menu

Classic & Nostalgic Flavors:
Coffee
Cookies and Cream
Fierce Chocolate
Frosted Flakes
Pistachio
Haupia (v)
Vanilla Bean
Butterbeer

It's back! Also, just for this week - I've brought back Butterbeer - a nostalgic flavor that people have been requesting.

Butterbeer gets its buttery flavor from making caramel using browned butter and malty Scotch Whiskey! So cozy. Pro tip - it also goes exceptionally well with our coffee which someone remarked to me that "Via Gelato has really good coffee" (yes we do! We selected it from a whole lot of different roasters and this one roasted in Hawaii, we think is the best!)

Signature Flavors:
Almond Cookie
Black Sesame Honey Crunch
Matcha
Thai Tea

Refreshing Flavors:
Guava (v)
Lilikoi (v)
Strawberry (v)

SPECIALTIES:
Brownie Sundae
Milkshakes
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Chocolate Haupia Gelato Sandwich
Soba Cookie Gelato Sandwich

PRE-PACKED CLASSIC PINTS:
Birthday Cake
Coffee
Lemon Sherbet
Vanilla Bean
Guava (v)
Lychee (v)
Strawberry (v)

PRE-PACKED SIGNATURE PINTS:
Almond Cookie
Matcha
Thai Tea
Ube
Black Sesame Honey Crunch

SUGAR-FREE:
Sugar-free Coffee half-pint

GELATO CAKES:
Strawberry Shortcake
Oreo & Chocolate
Chocolate Haupia
Tiramisu

Rice Krispy Treat 🍦Ice Cream?! Click here for an update from Via Gelato!

Kona Low Storms Impact

We've been all really going through it with these Kona Low Storms. A few months ago, our glass window was pushed so hard by the wind that the glass shattered.

As a small business it's always hard, but honestly when things like this happen, it is even harder. Super grateful for all the people who came together to help get it from this shattered situation to this boarded up situation.

And really relieved that now after three months, the glass has been successfully replaced. And light can come through again both literally and figuratively.

Thanks so much to all of you who keep coming to support my small local business. Honestly it means a great deal that you come and bring your friends and your family to the shop - gotta pay these bills somehow. Because without you coming, we would really not be able to make it. So please keep coming and support having us around in the neighborhood.

The Menu

Classic + Nostalgic Flavors

Fierce Chocolate
Coffee
Vanilla Bean
Haupia (v)
Birthday Cake
Cookies and Cream
Macadamia Nut

Unique + Signature Flavors

Ube
Matcha
Houjicha
Soba Honey Crunch
Lavender Honey Milk
Sakura

Fair warning, we're on the last of Sakura. It's slightly salty, tangy, unique flavors have people from Japan telling us "it's so nostalgic, reminds me of getting a Sakura Latte in Tokyo".

Because it goes from beautiful to over in such a short period of time, that's what makes the moment that much more special...

Refreshing Flavors

Strawberry (v)
Lilikoi (v)
Lychee (v)

I'm going to be taking a break from making Lychee sorbet regularly. Why? Because I'll soon be making all the ice cream by myself as the kitchen team transitions. If Lychee sorbet is your jam, now is the time to come in and stock up!

SPECIALTIES:
Milkshakes
Affogato
Matcha-gato
Houjicha Affogato
Brownie Sundae

GELATO SANDWICHES:
Chocolate Haupia
Soba Cookie Vanilla Sea Salt

PRE-PACKED CLASSIC PINTS:
Birthday Cake
Coffee
Frosted Flakes
Salted Caramel
Vanilla Bean
Kona Mud Pie

PRE-PACKED SIGNATURE PINTS:
Matcha
Sakura

PRE-PACKED REFRESHING PINTS:
Lemon Sherbet
Guava Sorbetto (v)
Strawberry Sorbetto (v)

SUGAR-FREE PRE-PACKED:
Sugar-free Coffee half-pint

GELATO CAKES
Strawberry Shortcake
Chocolate Haupia (v)
Tiramisu
Oreo + Chocolate (in slices as well)

Finally, the Window is Fixed! Click here for an update from Via Gelato!