There's no better way to cool off in the uber-hot Arizona climate than by eating an ice cold treat like gelato. This summer there's even more to love about frozen confections because 12 local chefs have created exclusive flavors for The Gelato Spot. Starting Monday, all five locations will begin serving four of the artisanal offerings, which will rotate monthly until the end of August.
See also: - Score Small Bites of Summer at 30 Restaurant in Metro Phoenix - Dessert First: Otro Café's Postre de Coco
Featured chefs include Cullen Campbell of Crudo, James Porter of Petite Maison, Josh Hebert of Posh Improvisational Cuisine, and desert dessert maven Tracy Dempsey. And since this is a friendly competition, all participants are taking it pretty seriously. Chef Payton Curry offers a clue to his signature creation while describing the experience: "We've been experimenting with a variety of sweet and salty flavors and textures, but I think the one we've been working on -- a direct take on one of the signature items on the Brat Haus menu -- is a winner."
The Top Chef Flavor Competition kicks off Monday, June 3, and ends August 31. One winner will be chosen each month. Once the playing field is narrowed down to three semi-finalists, votes will be accepted in-store, on Facebook, via text, and on Yelp to select a grand winner. Proceeds from the competition will be donated to Phoenix Children's Hospital, and a portion of each chef's individual flavor sales will be donated by The Gelato Spot to benefit a charity of their choosing.
Stay tuned -- the flavors will be announced next week. Also TBA, there will be an expo night in June when everyone is invited to meet the chefs, sample savory bites, and taste all 12 signature flavors in one go. Select chefs will also feature their creations on restaurant dessert menus throughout the summer.
