Chef’s Corner: Java Cat

By Kelsey Bewick

A freezer case displaying a rainbow of gelato flavors isn’t an ordinary greeting at most coffee shops in Madison. But for the past six years, Java Cat co-owners Shari Olson and Renee Raspiller have made the Italian-style ice cream common fare at their friendly café on Madison’s southeast side.

It was during a trip to Italy in 2002 that Olson discovered a love for the chilled treat. When the pair fulfilled their dreams of opening a coffee shop three years later, offering up authentic gelato alongside coffee and light fare just felt right.

While the perennial favorites can be found daily, new flavors make frequent appearances as often as the staff dreams them up, resulting in innovative concoctions such as the Pirate Booty—a treasure trove of candies and cookies mixed into a creamy base. Sweet, cold and irresistible, it’s the perfect treat for chilling out this summer.

Java Cat is located at 3918 Monona Dr., Madison; (608) 223-5553 or javacatmadison.com.

Photo by Amber Arnold