Since I'm staying at my parents' house near Bayshore for a few days, I was eager to check out a new venue at the Town Center, called La Coppa Gelato. I became especially enthusiastic when I learned on Facebook that they have authentic German-style creations (i.e. those served in Germany by Italians) such as Spaghetti-Eis. I had visions of European cafe-style sidewalk enjoyment. I have to say God bless the owners for attempting such a thing, but I think they may have an uphill battle ahead of them.
I sampled a sundae called the Coppa Baileys that is sold for a whopping $8. It was composed of three smallish gelato scoops with abundant toppings. The size is perhaps somewhat larger overall than a medium sundae at Kopp's. It struck me as truly unexceptional. I should mention that the gelato has a very low butterfat content compared to what we know as ice cream. Milwaukee's staple frozen dessert, frozen custard, has a higher butterfat content still. La Coppa advertises its butterfat content as being on the lower end of the gelato scale. I enjoy all frozen custard, but am partial to Leon's. I can eat one scoop of Leon's custard and be satisfied--a fact for which I'm particularly grateful, as I'm watching my weight.
I felt that the La Coppa sundae needed something, as if some ingredient had been forgotten. I recall the sundaes in Germany having liqueur--indeed, such as Bailey's--drizzled generously over them. This sundae had some Bailey's taste at the bottom, but not very much. If I get one again, I'll bring my own Bailey's and pour some on (and then, you know, pour some in the coffee...). They have a nice Schaerer superautomatic espresso machine, but the latte I had was simply poor. While it didn't have an off taste, it didn't taste much of coffee, either. Just kind of a bland, nondescript hot drink taste. I'd advise leaving the coffee portion to the pros a few doors down.
I will certainly be back for at least one more try. I've seen a few different businesses try to get casual outdoor seating to catch on in the North Shore suburbs, and they all deserve a medal. It's tough to get people to loosen up and sit at the tables, except perhaps in a (more) controlled environment like Cedarburg. Even the Bayshore Alterra's outside seating seems to have fallen into relative disuse compared to three or four years ago.
