A Love Poem (Berry Ocean)

I originally intended to write a poem about Berry Ocean. Possibly a sonnet, more likely an ode. Then, as the task became daunting, I thought maybe a haiku. But, alas, no poem was ever composed by yours truly. Probably because nothing rhymes with gelato. That, and every time I think of Berry Ocean, I start to salivate a little and I become too distracted to do much of anything. It's amazing that I'm even writing this, because the focus that's required is almost too much to handle.

Berry Ocean, on Wyoming and Montgomery, makes the best gelato in Albuquerque. As there are now a few gelaterias gracing the city, this is an important distinction. All other venues are either lacking the flavor or the smooth texture of Berry Ocean gelato. Not to say that I don't eat gelato elsewhere (I do), but given a choice, I'll trek to B Ocean.

First, a brief explanation of gelato: the Italian version of ice cream that's made with milk instead of cream. Therefore, it's a less fattening, denser result that's often creamier and more satisfying than traditional ice cream. Scoop sizes and bowl sizes tend to be smaller, but fear not, you'll be just as satisfied with the smaller portion because it's so rich.

Berry Ocean has a slew of flavors to choose from, and they are liberal with their sample spoons. I think that flavors tend to rotate in and out, but they have staples that are always present. You can pretty much count on the basic chocolate and vanilla as well as chocolate hazelnut, strawberry, and some sort of citrus. I always try new flavors, but my seasonal favorites are pumpkin in the fall/winter (I kid you not, it's basically frozen pumpkin pie) and watermelon, passion fruit, and MPSP in the summer (MPSP stands for mango, papaya, strawberry and pineapple). The owner makes them from scratch with really fresh ingredients. I have also loved the ginger chai flavor as well as green tea. Some flavors tend to be a bit subtler than others, but they're all amazing. Even the green chile mango is good, with just enough heat to keep it interesting.

Berry Ocean also makes fresh frozen yogurt, with an actual yogurt taste many of us aren't used to. Topped with fresh fruit, it's divine. I think that Berry Ocean is also one of the only Illy coffee retailers in the city. This is coffee abundantly available in Europe, and it makes for a mean espresso drink. They also use it to flavor some of the gelatos- the caramel latte gelato is pure awesomeness.

I highly recommend making the trip to the heights just for gelato. The staff is wonderful (and ever supplying me with tastes of new things), the gelato is pure magic, and you can even feel virtuous about choosing it over plain old ice cream. Now, I need to wipe the puddle of drool off my desk...