ORIGINS OF NUTELLA

The origins of Nutella trace back to a pivotal moment in European history and the creative ingenuity of an Italian pastry maker. It all began during World War II when cocoa was in short supply due to rationing. Pietro Ferrero, the founder of Ferrero, an Italian confectionery company, faced the challenge of creating a chocolate spread that could be made with limited cocoa.

Source: Wallpaper Flare

Ferrero experimented with various ingredients, including hazelnuts, which were plentiful in the Piedmont region of Italy. By blending roasted hazelnuts with a small amount of cocoa, sugar, and a touch of vegetable oil, he created a creamy, nutty spread that was not only delicious but also economical. Originally called "Pasta Gianduja," it was sold in solid form and became popular among locals.

In 1964, Pietro's son, Michele Ferrero, improved the recipe by turning the spread into a creamy consistency, which made it easier to spread on bread. Renamed "Nutella," the spread quickly gained popularity throughout Italy and eventually spread across Europe.

Nutella's popularity continued to soar, and in the 1980s, Ferrero began exporting it to markets around the world, including the United States. With its irresistible combination of rich chocolate and creamy hazelnut flavors, Nutella captured the hearts (and taste buds) of people everywhere.

Source: Wallpaper Flare

Today, Nutella is not just a spread; it's a cultural phenomenon - and something you’ll see a lot at ZZ. It's used in a variety of recipes, from breakfast pastries to decadent desserts, and has inspired countless imitations and variations. The iconic Nutella jar has become a staple in kitchens worldwide, and its distinctive red-and-white label is instantly recognizable.

The story of Nutella is a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring appeal of good food. From its humble origins in wartime Italy to its status as a beloved global brand, Nutella continues to bring joy to millions of people every day.

CHURROS Vs HOT BALL DOUGHNUTS

Alright, folks, buckle up for the ultimate showdown: churros vs. hot ball doughnuts. It's a battle of the sweet treats, and we're diving in to settle the score.

“Cinnamon-sugar-coated delights are like a carnival in your mouth.”

Let's start with churros, shall we? These crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated delights are like a carnival in your mouth. Picture this: you take a bite, and you're met with a satisfying crunch followed by a soft, doughy center. Plus, they're incredibly versatile. You can dip them in chocolate sauce, caramel, or even stuff them with gooey fillings like dulce de leche or Nutella. Talk about a flavor explosion!

“The OG item at ZZ.”

Now, onto hot ball doughnuts (the OG item at ZZ). These babies are like little pockets of heaven, freshly fried and oozing with warmth. They're soft, they're pillowy, and they practically melt in your mouth. Plus, they come in all sorts of delicious flavors, from classic glazed to decadent chocolate-filled. There's nothing quite like biting into a hot ball doughnut and experiencing that burst of flavor with every bite.

But which one takes the cake (or doughnut)? Well, it all comes down to personal preference. If you're in the mood for something with a bit more texture and crunch, churros might be the way to go. But if you're craving pure, unadulterated comfort in every bite, hot ball doughnuts are where it's at.

Then there's the nostalgia factor. Churros may remind you of summer fairs and street vendors, while hot ball doughnuts bring back memories of lazy Sunday mornings and trips to the local bakery.

In the end, whether you're Team Churro or Team Hot Ball Doughnut, one thing's for sure: you can't go wrong with either. So why not indulge in both and treat yourself to a taste of sweet perfection? After all, life's too short to choose just one. “Yeah, you deserve it.”

THE MELBOURNE DESSERT SCENE

If you live in Melbourne, we must say you’re pretty damn lucky. Here, the dessert scene is nothing short of spectacular, offering a diverse array of sweet treats to tantalize every taste bud. From traditional favorites to innovative creations, Melbourne boasts a wide range of desserts that cater to all preferences and palates.

In this vibrant city, you can indulge in classic Australian desserts like lamingtons and pavlovas, or explore international delights such as French pastries, Italian gelato, and Japanese mochi just to name a few. There are also plenty of trendy dessert bars and cafes serving up Instagram-worthy creations like ‘freakshakes’, cronuts, and artisanal doughnuts.

What makes Melbourne truly special is the fusion of cultures and culinary influences that contribute to its dynamic dessert scene. Whether it's the multicultural neighborhoods or the bustling food markets, there's always something new and exciting to discover.

Living in Melbourne means having access to this rich tapestry of flavors and experiences, where every dessert is a delicious journey waiting to be savored. From hidden gems tucked away in laneways to iconic institutions lining the bustling streets, Melbourne offers a dessert experience like no other, making us truly lucky to call this city home.

To be honest, some of our personal favorite dessert spots (other than ZZ of course) include; Cocolo (Hawthorn), Beku (Carlton), Kariton Sorbes (Melbourne CBD, The Glen & Footscray), AWA Cafe (Fitzroy), Hareruya Pantry (Carlton), Rose Water Cafe (Hadfield), Sul-bing (Melbourne CBD) and Tori’s (Melbourne CBD).

Cocolo (Hawthorne).

If you’re anything like us, dessert is a staple so there’s a high chance you might bump into me at any of the above during the week!

THE THEATRICS

Call us dramatic but here at ZZ, watching your desserts being made fresh in front of your eyes is super satisfying. Why? Because we like to think it's like witnessing a magic show but with delicious ZZ treats instead of rabbits! You get to see all the ingredients come together right before you, from the creamy batter being mixed to any number of our sauces being Drizzl’d on top.

Made fresh with every order.

It's not just about the final product; it's about the whole process – the sights, the smells, and the sounds of dessert-making. Plus, knowing that your ZZ dessert is being made fresh means it's going to be at its absolute tastiest when it is served to you by one of our awesome staff. In a way, this is like a little sneak peek into the culinary world, and it makes you appreciate every bite even more because you saw all the effort that went into making it just right. 

There is a little wait at ZZ when you order something off our menu but watching your desserts being made fresh is like getting a front-row seat to the best show in town – and the best part is, you get to eat the stars of the show afterward!

A NECESSITY

Dessert isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity for the soul! Think about it; after a long day of adulting, dealing with deadlines, heartaches, stress and navigating life’s curveballs, we all deserve a little sweetness to brighten our day!

A Necessity.

Dessert isn’t just about satisfying a craving; it’s about indulging in a moment of pure bliss and treating ourselves to something special. Whether it’s a decadent slice of cake, a scoop of creamy gelato, or a gooey chocolate chip cookie, dessert has this magical ability to lift our spirits and put a smile on our faces. It’s a simple pleasure that brings joy to our lives and reminds us to savor the sweet moments, no matter how busy life gets. So go ahead, grab that dessert—you’ve earned it, “YOU DESERVE IT”.

THE DETOUR

The perfect spot

Hear me out. It’ll only take a minute.

Grabbing a dessert at ZZ on your way home is the best decision you'll make because it's a delicious way to unwind and treat yourself after a long day. Indulging in a sweet treat can instantly lift your mood, providing a moment of pure pleasure and relaxation. Plus, it's a convenient and hassle-free way to satisfy your cravings without the need for cooking or cleanup. So go ahead, indulge in a little bit of sweetness—it's the perfect way to end your day on a high note!

SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THESE

If you know the song, we know you have a wealth of life experience. 

But no, we’re not talking about the song but desserts today!! Desserts are often referred to as "sweet dreams" because they have the power to transport us to a realm of indulgence, pleasure, and happiness. Just like dreams, desserts offer a temporary escape from the realities of everyday life, allowing us to indulge in sensory delights and experience moments of pure bliss - after all, yeah you deserve it! 

The sweetness of desserts not only satisfies our taste buds but also stimulates our brain's pleasure centers, triggering the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. This can create a sense of euphoria and contentment, akin to the feelings we experience during pleasant dreams.

What we’ve found is that desserts often evoke nostalgic memories and emotions, reminding us of good, happy times and special occasions spent with the people that mean the most. Whether it's Grandma's homemade apple pie, a decadent slice of birthday cake or any item on the ZZ menu, desserts have the power to evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia, much like cherished dreams from the past.

More times than not, the act of enjoying desserts is often associated with relaxation, indulgence, and self-care. In a hectic world (we colloquially call ‘adulting’) filled with stress and responsibilities, taking the time to savor a delicious dessert can feel like a luxurious treat allowing us to unwind, pamper ourselves, and indulge in a moment of pure enjoyment.

So yes, desserts are like having sweet dreams because they offer a tantalizing escape from reality, evoke positive emotions and memories, and provide a moment of indulgence and pleasure that nourishes both the body and soul.

Yeah, you deserve it!

YEAH, YOU DESERVE IT!

The perfect summer combination

If you’ve been here before, you’ll hear us saying that “YOU DESERVE IT”. It’s true - we tell no lie. You deserve a sweet treat because amidst all of life's challenges, it's important to celebrate the small victories and moments of joy.

You can't tell us twice; Indulging in a delicious dessert is a simple way to reward yourself for your hard work and resilience. Life’s been getting harder - we get it. Adulting (or school) sucks. However, take this as a reminder to prioritize self-care and embrace life's sweetness, even in the midst of chaos. So go ahead, treat yourself to something delightful—you've earned it, yeah you deserve it!

DRIZZL’D

“Yeah, you deserve it!”

Drizzl’d (ZZ). Bringing back good times, great friends, and the art of the decadent dessert. Here at DRIZZL’D, we love to  share the showmanship that goes into making desserts that’s well deserved. Imparting a sophisticated and refined twist to some common dessert favourites, every item on our menu has been dreamt up to ignite sweet memories and is made before your eyes.

“Most popular ones”

Officially founded in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea of ZZ came by well before this. It started one night after a long 14 hour work day where my cravings for a sweet treat that’s well deserved were through the roof. I was hunting for something to curb this craving. I found it. I took my first bite. Suddenly, this overwhelming feeling of satisfaction flooded my mind and taste buds. Here, I thought to myself “Yeah, I deserve this”. It was at this point that I knew I had to do something within the dessert space here in Melbourne. And so, ZZ was born.

It’s been a rollercoaster journey and I can’t believe we are now into our third year of being open! There is nothing within this journey I do regret as I’ve learnt so many things through-out this journey. I’ve enjoyed every second of this and it's been an absolute pleasure serving our menu to our customers in and around Moonee Ponds. We are so grateful for all our staff, our suppliers and of course, our loyal customers! We thank you all for the ongoing support through-out these 3 years and we would not be where we are today without you all!

What’s in for the future of ZZ? Only time will tell.