As of 12:10 there was still no line and plenty of Gelato.
After reading on ML that there would be free gelato at Melt Gelato and Crepe Café on 2nd Ave and 55th Street from 11-7pm today - I braved the cold and rain and walked over at 12:00 The weather seemed to be keeping people away but a 40-degree rainy day was not going to keep me from enjoying some free artisanal gelato.
It was nice to see some organization to a free give away for a change. Sometimes these things can turn into a total nightmare like the KFC debacle earlier this year. The manager greeted me and took me through their process which was very impressive as is their ingredient sourcing - nearly everything but the milk and sugar is sourced from Italy including their hazelnuts, pistachios etc..
All of their fruit based flavors were really superb. Easily competitive with Grom or Il laboratorio Del Gelato. In fact, the Lemon was the best I have tasted. I was not able to taste any dark chocolate flavors though, which for me, is a big test. So I can’t fully compare Melt to the leaders in this category. The hazelnut or “Donatella” as they call it, was outstanding though so that bodes well for the darker flavors. I would love to do a taste test between Melt, Grom and Il Laboratorio Del Gelato. Melt also has Crepes (with special batter also sourced from Europe).
Flavors aside, they are also partnering with the Susan G Komen foundation for breast cancer awareness and taking donations so you can score some free gelato and feel good about supporting a worthy cause. Full post later this week. Groovy Italian music on their website too.
[…] Thanks to Niko from Dessert Buzz for forwarding along this early photo from Melt, the new gelato and crepe cafe (on 2nd Ave. btw. 55+56th) that’s attempting to break a world record by giving out free gelato until 7pm tonight. Apparently as of 12:10 there still was no line… but I’m guessing the scene isn’t quite as serene right now. Or maybe rainy day = perfect day for freebies! If you end up braving the lines (and the rain) feel free to post updates in the comments so other lunch’ers know if it’s worth it. (According to Niko it’s “easily competitive with Grom or Il laboratorio Del Gelato.”) […]
Left by Melt’s Free Gelato Day Gets a Slow Start - Midtown Lunch on October 15th, 2009