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From the shroud of Covid-19 comes a beacon of hope and joyous taste. Ice cream never tasted this good! Mike Romeu, a musician who, in 2016, decided to create himself a steady gig, has opened his latest Sweet Melody Crafted Ice Cream Company store to rave reviews. And no wonder, this is not your typical ice cream shop.
Mike’s melody has carried from his music to his passion for ice cream, which started in his Palmetto Bay kitchen with only family and friends to taste his most creatively outrageous flavors.
“It comes from the heart and the soul,” explains Romeu. “Ice cream and music are more connected than you think. When you create from scratch, it is a form of art. In this case, culinary art. And that creativity makes it fun for us and our guests.”
Romeu involves his customers in the creative process, allowing them to provide input, request new flavors…and then, collaboratively, he creates small batches that may only be there for a day or two, or become a new staple at the shop.
The store, decorated in a ‘The Jetsons’-style idyllic future, is located at 17389 S. Dixie Hwy. It is connected to a new pizza and beer joint that I will review shortly. Signage is not yet installed, but it’s in the Palmetto Bay Dry Cleaners strip mall.
“You can really tell a story and surprise people with ice cream,” explains Romeu.
There is a palpable difference when you walk into this store and past the service counter you can look through the glass of the kitchen as they make the ice cream and baked goods that make sweet melodies together.
“When I serve my customers, it is not just about ice cream. My quirky, creative soul soars when I see the smiles on their faces.” Romeu waxed poetic. “Butter fat is an excellent carrier of flavor and scents. It melts on your tongue at a certain temperature unlike other culinary vehicles. When I challenge myself and get really into it, there is so much to explore that it boggles the mind.”
To give you a sense of the unique experience you will have when visiting, the signature flavor is called Flowers and Froot Loops (that is lavender ice cream with Froot Loops clusters). Or maybe you’ll choose Gorgonzola, Brie or Goat Cheese ice cream. They are all flavors. As is Bacon Almond Brittle. Of course, there are more traditional flavors, like Vanilla Bean, Strawberry and Cookies & Cream (except it is called Kooki Monster and is the color of Cookie Monster with real cookie in it). Of course, the cones are all made fresh on site, as are all the mix-ins.
Mike happily works in his shops seven days a week. He loves floating between the kitchen and being at the service counter. His customers serve as his muses. It is clear that he loves what he does and bringing his shop to Palmetto Bay is extra special, since he lives just a few blocks away. Romeu also has a soft spot for his workers. In an effort to give back to his community, Mike works with The de Moya Foundation, which places adults with unique abilities. At present, Nico, one of The de Moya Foundation placements, can regularly be found at the counter with a wide smile ready to serve the most delectable ice cream.
The Sweet Melody Crafted Ice Cream Company is open seven days a week from noon until late. You can see more at sweetmelodyicecream.com or call 786-701-8848.
Real Estate Update
Although still a Seller’s Market in Pinecrest, the trend is headed towards a more balanced marketplace. As of 2/19/2021, there was 4.75 months of inventory, up from a low of 3.25 months the last week of December 2020. If you’re ready to move, get the best local expertise, truthful guidance and realistic expectations. It’s easy to get started at miamihal.com/getstarted.
Hal Feldman (MiamiHal) is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advance Realty. You can contact him with your story ideas or real estate questions at www.MiamiHal.com, Hal@MiamiHal.com or www.facebook.com/MiamiHal.
