MANILA, Philippines - “I am excited with the potential of gelato cakes. It is very unique and it’s something that we are proud to say that only Cara Mia Gelateria offers,” says Philip Moran, marketing director, Cara Mia. “When we were testing our new gelato cakes, people always found the designs interesting, but when they found out that it was actually gelato inside, their excitement grew even more.
“For Christmas we have come out with gelato cakes that are more intricately designed,” adds Moran. “We have designed these new gelato cakes specifically for the holidays and for special occasions.”
There is the Rouge gelato cake. It is a fruit-bursting treat of blueberry, strawberry and vanilla gelato on a crust of crushed Graham. The Meringa Dolce is a gelato twist to the favorite brazo de Mercedes. It is loaded with rich custard- flavored gelato surrounded by a layer of soft meringue and capped with light Italian meringue. The Di Lusso is a combination of pistachio, chocolate and strawberry gelato enrobed in a layer of rich chocolate ganache, resting on a crust of crushed Graham cracker.
The Banana Blast has been around for a few months now and is a bestseller at Cara Mia. The Banana Blast is a mix of banana, strawberry and chocolate gelato on a chocolate-flavored crust.
“What’s interesting also about gelato cakes is that it allows one to try various flavors in one bite. The new gelato cakes, for example, can have as much as three to four flavors per bite,” quips Moran. “Imagine the medley of delightful flavors that one gets as they savor each bite. We are very excited to have our gelato cakes be part of the Christmas celebration this holiday season.”
The current line of Cara Mia Gelateria includes 18 flavors of gelato, nine flavors of gelato cakes and seven refrigerated cakes. Cara Mia also serves gelato shakes, affogatos, and pastries.
The original Amici in Don Bosco Makati was known for its pizza, pasta and gelato. Originally operated by the Salesian priests of Don Bosco, Amici was one of the first establishments in Manila to offer Italian gelato. When the new owners bought Amici in 2007, a new brand was conceptualized to focus specifically on the dessert side. When the Cara Mia brand was launched in 2009, the concept of gelato cakes was introduced.
Cara Mia is the only establishment that currently sells gelato cakes in the Philippines. Gelato cakes are layers of various gelato flavors taken to a new level by combining various elements such as Graham crust, meringue wafers, fruits and nuts.
Cara Mia has branches at Don Bosco, Makati; Tomas Morato, Quezon City; SM Megamall Atrium, Mandaluyong; Robinsons Galleria, Mandaluyong; Greenhills, San Juan; Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati; Robinsons Ermita, Manila; Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa.