Am I the only one who finds Sweet Republic gelato underwhelming and bland?

Question

Read so much about Sweet Republic, was expecting to be hugely satisfied. Find the flavours lack depth and punch. They leave me frustrated actually, as if I need to keep digging to experience the full, explosive impact. It never happens. Where can I get great artisinal gelato in the Scottsdale area? Hand crafted, DEEPLY fruity, tart lemon, coffee is what I am after. Not basil.

Answer

I've never had gelato at Sweet Republic, because as Molto E pointed out, they sell ice cream. It's damned good ice cream, too. Try the Salted Butter Caramel the next time you're up there. I do understand the frustration when you want one frozen sweet and end up with another. I've tried to quell a Red Mango fro-yo craving with gelato and it just didn't work. If you're looking for gelato in the Scottsdale area, the one that I've had that wasn't downright offensive was at That's Amore on Hayden north of Via de Ventura. They do have a second location up in the hinterlands on Pinnacle Peak east of Scottsdale Road. Avoid Gelato Spot at all costs. I'm pretty sure they make their product in a central location and ship it out; the few times I've been there I have found an ice pellet or two in my gelato, something that doesn't happen anywhere else.

If you're willing to drive around town, my favorite gelato in town happens to be in the otherwise completely forgettable Arizona Mills Mall. On the south side of the mall between Off 5th and Neiman Marcus Last Call is a little kiosk, Lombardo's Gelato. It's a terrific little mom-n-pop gelato shop. The various sorbetti are my favorites. If they have strawberry champagne granita, get it.

-----
That's Amore
7605 E Pinnacle Peak Rd Ste 3, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Red Mango
7000 E Mayo Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85054

Answer

I didn't even realize Sweet Republic had gelato.

Are you sure you didn't have the sorbet or the yogurt?

The vanilla wasabi was fabulous by the way.

Answer

Aside from mistaking ice cream for gelato, yes I think you may be the only one who finds Sweet Republic's product to be underwhelming and bland. I've tried many of their flavors and agree with others, the product is beautifully balanced and very good. As long as we have (sort of) blurred the line between gelato and ice cream, venture to Gilbert and try Udder Delights.

Answer

I won't pile-on with the "it's not gelato" thread. But I will say that, despite the fact that I really respect what they are doing at Sweet Republic, it doesn't necessarily satisfy me when I have a craving for ice cream. (or gelato, for that matter.) 

It's great - no question about it. The shiso lemon that I had recently at Hana was absolutely astouding, as was the green tea. And the owners of Sweet Republic couldn't be nicer or more dedicated to their craft. Numerous reputable accolades have substantiated that.

But, as much as I hate to admit it, despit my food snobbery I still find that Cold Stone rocky road satisfies my sweet tooth just about better than anything else.

I must be really low-brow. Hey, my favorite beer is still Bud Light and I say it with pride!

Answer

Yes, I should have clarified what I ate. Not talking about ice cream. I had the fruit sorbets, pineapple, canteloupe, strawberry and chocolate sorbet. The chocolate was excellent. But the fruit flavours seemed shallow to me, needing more zing. Of course I appreciate the focus on natural ingredients and the care taken to create a high quality product. To be applauded, for sure. Having eaten plenty of excellent artisinal ice cream/gelato/sorbet in Italy and Montreal (Bilboquet - the best!), I was hoping to be swept off my feet and wasn't. Will try some of the recs. And will go back and try some of SR's other flavours. Thanks!

Topics

Locations

Your post has been published!

Am I the only one who finds Sweet Republic gelato underwhelming and bland?

Chowhound Recommends

What's the Difference

What Is the Difference Between Ice Cream and Gelato?

More from Chowhound

Guides

The Ultimate Spring Produce Guide: What's in Season & How to Use It

Recipe Round-Ups

Quick and Easy Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes for Less Morning Stress

Guides

How to Care for Enameled Cast Iron So It Lasts a Lifetime

Home

The Best Tool to Clean a Wood Cutting Board Is Probably in Your Compost Bin

Trending Discussions

Chowhound Recipes That You are Saving

A Final Goodbye for Chowhound

Favorite Chowhound Memories

NY Times: Chowhound Closes After 25 Years of Food Obsession, Wisdom and Debate

January–April 2022 Baking COTM: DESSERT PERSON by Claire Saffitz

Quick Links

Latest Discussions

Cookbook of the Month

Dish of the Month

Weekly Menu Planning

Get fresh food news delivered to your inbox

12 Irish Foods to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day That Aren’t Corned Beef and Cabbage

Chowhound

Policies

Community

Editorial

Content