ICE CREAM TO BEAT THE HEAT WITH
On a sweltering hot day like today, there’s nothing like good old ice cream to cool down. While we always default to our favorite brands from the local grocer, it’s good to know that Cebu has proudly homegrown start-ups that make their own batches of smooth, creamy ice cream worth trying and coming back for more. Let’s get to know some of them and the flavors that your palate might fancy.
SWEET FIX
After watching a video about rolled ice cream that went viral, Marinella Cabinian, Abigail Gupalor and Karynne Flores— three friends with a shared interest to start their own business—were quick to jump on the idea to bring the dessert craze to Cebu. Sweet Fix prides itself in not just its creamy concoctions but also the delightful experience of seeing the dessert made right in front of your very eyes. Among its seven flavors, Cookies & Cream, Nutella and the banana-Nutella combo Hazelnut Grace are its bestsellers. Sweet Fix is located at Sugbo Mercado from Thursday to Sunday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
LUCA GELATERIA
After a month-long stint in Italy studying the art of gelato, Kara Lim partnered with her dad Dan to share their love for gelato to Cebu. A firm supporter of the farm-to-table philosophy, Luca works closely with local farming communities for its all natural ingredients. Customer favorites are Pistachio, Ferrerawr and Davao Double Dark Chocolate.
Recently, Luca collaborated with Linear Coffee Roasters for a special flavor made with the roaster’s beans. Luca Gelateria is located in Banilad Town Center and soon in Cebu IT Park.
SHELDON’S GELATO
Singaporean native Chef Sheldon Shen Jega wants to prove that gelato is not just ice cream with an Italian label. Dubbed as medical gelato, Chef Sheldon makes gelato that’s high in calcium, low in fat and sugar and non-glycemic, which means it’s suitable for diabetics. Since it’s made from pure milk, it’s good for the lactose intolerant as well. Sheldon’s uses both local and international ingredients for its gelato such as durian from Davao, strawberries from Baguio, vanilla from Madagascar and green tea from Hokkaido. Visit the kiosk of Sheldon’s Gelato at the third level of SM Seaside City Cebu.
AVEEN’S PREMIUM ICE CREAM
Dessert, ice cream included, was one of the many things Aveen Pepito made best in her own kitchen. On special occasions, she would gift tubs of her homemade ice cream to friends. They enjoyed her ice cream so much that they encouraged her to make a business out of it, which Aveen happily obliged. As if the 4.8 rating on Facebook doesn’t already speak of the brand, Aveen’s currently has 15 great flavors but the stand-outs are Cookies & Cream, Mango and Espresso Choco chip Coffee. Contact Aveen’s on Facebook for deliveries.