Gelology: Jell-O Shots For Grownups

Matt Micari has no culinary training. He’s not a chef or a bartender. He’s, self-admittedly, not particularly artistic. He’s a scientist (a biochemist, to be exact) who spent most of his adult life working on things like DNA analysis and protein synthesis. But in the last four years, Micari’s used his scientific background to create Gelology – a confectionery catering company specializing in edible, boozy and exceptionally beautiful art made from gelatin. That’s right, Micari is the king of small batch, artisanal Jell-O shots.

Gelology grew out of a hobby turned obsession. Micari had a reputation among friends for improving their parties and fundraisers with his homemade Jell-O shots. “I’d never had one until I was in my 30s,” Micari explained. “But if you show up at a party with a plate full of Jell-O shots, people’s eyes light up. It’s like being a bartender in solid form.”

Youthful and energetic, Micari is clearly passionate about his work. His enthusiasm for his product overflows when he talks about Gelology; and the conversation is peppered with buzzwords like “edible, deliverable devices” and a non-stop stream of gel related puns. His products are “gelicacies.” His mobile presentation is the “Gelabratory” where people can take “gelfies” with a bust of “President Gel-Obama,” made from chocolate pudding, chocolate liqueur and caramel. (Apparently, the President’s favorite candies are salted caramels.)

As Micari’s fascination grew, so too did the interest from his friends. Word spread about his creations and he considered the possibility of turning this hobby into a full-time business. Like a true scientist, he experimented with different recipes, developing his own from scratch using natural ingredients. He discovered the ideal ratios and Ph balances and made his own silicone molds when he couldn’t find what he needed on the market. “My house began to look like an episode of Breaking Bad,” Micari said. “There were balances, beakers and unidentifiable powders everywhere.”

A year ago in December, Micari opened up shop in the Somerville incubator, KITCHENiNC as a specialty gourmet Jell-O shot catering company. “There’s something about Jell-O, I have dreams about it.” From those dreams and visions, Micari has created some incredibly unique and beautiful confections including the Gelebrations, a Champagne and elderflower liqueur shot suspending a fresh raspberry; Tonicgels, a gin and tonic riff made with tonic water, limeade, candied lime and fizzing soda powder; andthe Apple Cider Spiked Shots made with spiced rum, and butterscotch schnapps sitting inside a slice of Granny Smith apple.

Micari’s describes his work as “artistic, creative and experiential,” and he has a design for every occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, corporate event, theatrical release or something entirely unique, Micari will come up with the perfect creation (even a mini Titanic about to crash into an iceberg, should the occasion call for it). “I’ve got it down to an artistic science.” And he’s having a blast.