Posted: Thursday, June 11, 2009 --- 6:07 a.m.

Ice cream is a traditional summer treat and Culver's is known to have some of the best.

But its sister store...The Blue Spoon Cafe in Middleton is going one step beyond decadent this summer.

That's the focus of this week's Hot Trends.

Gelato...a very different treat than American ice cream.

"It's denser than American ice cream. it has less butter fat than American ice cream and we use fresh fruit. "

Blue Spoon Cafe in Middleton is owned by the same company as Culvers. In fact, their sister store is just across the street.

But this restaurant has a much different feel. It has an upstairs with an elegant bar and lounge area. That's why they are bringing true upscale Italian gelato to their customers at Blue Spoon Cafe.

"All of our flavors for the gelato are also imported directly from Italy so it is true italian gelato. "

They offer mint, tiramisu, coconut and carmel apple among their flavors. And if traditional eggs benedict doesn't cut it for breakfast, they even make a gelato pancake.

What they hope is that it will drive customers into their store, even when the nice weather encourages them to stay outside.

" We have a rule. If you look at our gelato display case, you must sample."