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The tell-tale crowd that amasses outside of Anita Gelato’s doors even before the heat starts to take over the day is an all-encompassing indicator – they know exactly what they are doing and how to do it well. Co-owner Adi Avital on his favorite flavor, motherly love, and the parmesan ice cream to look forward to
How did you get started making ice cream? It all started in Avital’s family kitchen. Since we were children, my brother Nir was always present while my mother cooked and baked. During his army service, he began selling ice cream in a cart at Bnei Dror Junction every weekend. After a few months, he realized his destiny in life, and so was established Anita’s first shop in Neve Tzedek.
Who is Anita named for? Anita is my mother, she is the soul behind the business and thanks to her we have Anita.
What is your all-time favorite flavor? Cookieman; combination of soft cream ice cream, chocolate and meringues. One of our leading flavors.
Anita © Sarit Goffen
How do you decide on a new flavor? What is the process? Nir is responsible for the development of new products and travelling to special exhibitions in Italy. Together we identify trends in the world, think together about
what’s new, go into the kitchen, and turn it into “ours”.
What are some flavors that you created specifically for “Israeli tastebuds”? All our flavors are a combination of Italian ice cream and Israeli flavors. Israelis like a combination of creamy and crunchy. Our Cookieman is a masterpiece combining chocolate and meringue in ice cream. The Israelis are crazy about it.
Anita has made ice cream a year-round craving in Israel. Do you plan to open other branches abroad? We have two branches in Australia and by the end of the year we are expecting to open three more. Now we are developing in other countries around the world. This summer, a branch opens on the Puerto Rico Island and we have future plans to open in New York, Amsterdam, and Berlin.
Adi Avital, Anita
What do you think about the competitive ice cream shops that have opened since? Is it motivating or annoying (or both)? Competition is always good. Every time that a new ice cream brand is opened, it strengthens us to make our best. Create the perfect sundae for a visiting tourist.
What would be in it? For tourists, we are a must-visit. Every tourist who comes to Israel comes to us. Their favorite flavor tends to be mint and dark chocolate. We also adapt ourselves to tourists and listen to their requests. I would create for tourists a taste that combines local raw materials from Israel. For example, Malabi and Kadayef.
Anita, 40 Shabazi St, 42 Shabazi St, 3 Florentine St, & the Sarona location. anita-gelato.com