Former Belgian ice cream making champion opens gelateria in Mortsel and Antwerp: “With Italian classics and flavors with an Ecuadorian touch”

Julien Limbach and his wife Katrien Van Goethem immediately opened two businesses with gelateria Mitico, one in Mortsel and one in Antwerp. “We also prepare gelato for companies and events,” says Julien.

Strolling along the Mortselse Statielei with fresh gelato, ice cream prepared in the Italian way, has been possible for a few days now thanks to Mitico. Julien and Katrien opened their gelateria there, where ice cream is also made for their second sales point at Oever in Antwerp.

Julien was co-manager of Gelato Giuliano for three years. In 2021 he won the Belgian ice cream making championship. “People still approach me for this preparation. It was porcini, black olive and pistachio ice cream. I will definitely make it to Mortsel and Antwerp,” says Julien Limbach.

The studio is located in the building where The Chocolate Wizard housed until February 2023. Ice creams, sorbets, coffee and affogatos, coffee with a scoop of gelato, can now be picked up.

Most beautiful hazelnuts

“I look for the best ingredients for the flavors. Of course there are the classics such as vanilla, chocolate and mocha. Or coupes can be picked up, but I like to surprise customers. For example, I make nocciola Piemonte with the most beautiful hazelnuts from this Italian region and pistachio Bronte with the tastiest pistachios from Sicily.”

Katrien has roots in Ecuador. “We use vanilla and chocolate from Ecuador for some preparations. I am constantly looking for nice products to prepare my ice cream with,” says Julien with great passion.

Mitico already has collaborations with restaurants and catering establishments such as Andy Roasters and Café Couture by Pieter Loridon. “Pieter selected a matcha for us with which I made a flavor. The reactions of the people are very positive. By the way, everyone welcomed us with open arms in Mortsel.”

At Mitico Antwerp, guests can also stay for a drink or an aperitif with a wine. “Mitico comes from the Italian slang among young people where it is equivalent to magical or mythical.” Mitico is open seven days a week.