Freddo, the Argentinean helado company that's been churning out crafted frozen delights since 1969 has finally arrived in Miami.
The South American ice cream company, with locations in six South American countries and the United Kingdom, has opened its second location in the United States today -- right on Lincoln Road. (Freddo has one other store is Charleston, South Carolina.)
See also: Freddo: Argentine Helado Coming to Lincoln Road
The shop features helado made with fresh, hormone-free milk, pure cane sugar, fruits, and other natural and raw ingredients. The helados, free of any artificial flavorings, coloring, preservatives, or added vegetable fats, are made in Argentina and shipped to Miami -- a process that takes about a month in climate-controlled conditions.
Freddo, which opens today, serves the treat in a multitude of flavors include their famous dulce de leche, dark chocolate, white chocolate, chocolate freddo, vanilla, and zabaione. The helados are super creamy and silky in texture -- more akin to gelato than American ice cream. They're also less sugar-laden, especially the zabaione and nougat flavors.
Cones are carefully shaped into a perfect point from your choice of flavors. Cups and cones range from $4.75 - $7.50. To-go containers are available and range from $7.50 - $24.
Freddo South Beach also serves desserts like a molten lava cake, paired with white chocolate ice cream and a tiramisu with marscapone helado.
The most buzzworthy item has to be the helado panini, which I predict will be the new craze. A Hawaiian roll half is placed into a machine that looks like a cross between a waffle iron and an inverse flying saucer. Then, toppings are added (mine consisted of peanut butter, raspberry preserved, and Coco Krispies). Finally, a scoop of ice cream is placed in the contraption (nougat in this case), the second half of the roll is added and the whole thing is flash-pressed. In 15 seconds, the roll halves are sealed and warmed, but the ice cream doesn't have time to melt. The result is the ultimate ice cream sandwich -- warm and soft on the outside, creamy and chill on the inside. Is it an ice-creamy jelly doughnut? A dessert pressed sandwich? Who knows, but it could be Miami's version of the cronut in popularity.
Be adventurous and try the panini or go classic and opt for a cone. Either way, Freddo Helado is open Sunday - Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
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