chow bella
Filed Under Places | May 31, 2011
Frozen treats are awesome. Ice cream, popsicles, freezies, smoothies, gelato … mmmmm … gelato. So needless to say we ran, not walked, to Vancouver’s frozen hotspot, Bella Gelateria.
Bella Gelateria is the brainchild of master gelato maker James Coleridge and his wife Anna. They wanted to start a business that would grow with their family, and one that could be passed down from generation to generation. Married in Venice, they thought their love of all things Italian and their passion for delicious yumminess made a perfect combination. And so, Bella Gelateria was born. James trained at the Italian Culinary Institute and the world famous Carpigiani Gelato University to hone his craft and bring it to Vancouver.
We are lucky, lucky people.
When we entered the tiny shop, we were met with the scent of…well…yumminess. Sweet chocolates, caramels, vanillas, and sugars filled the air. It was glorious. All product is made onsite in an old-world artisanal style with high-quality fresh, seasonal, and as much as possible, local ingredients. The gelatos themselves are stored in beautiful stainless steel containers, which protect the delicate flavours from the elements.
The menu changes with availability and quality of ingredients…the only ‘regular’ flavours being James’ (and one of our) favourite, Meyer Lemon Sorbetto, Chocolate (there were six different chocolate flavours when we visited), and good old Vanilla. We taste tested many flavours and they were all amazing. We were particularly fond of the aforementioned Lemon Sorbetto, the Chocolate with Sea Salt, the Amarena Cherry, and the Thai Coconut Milk. As an active twitterer, James tweets the flavours of the day, so gelato junkies can be the first to sample new flavours.
The shop is very kid and stroller friendly, with a well-stocked change table in the spacious restroom. And Bella Gelateria has hosted many a school tour for aspiring young master gelato makers. Or tasters.
With scrumptious gelato, baked delicacies from Butter Baked Goods, beautiful cannolis, and decadent Italian coffees, we can see Bella Gelateria becoming a regular haunt when we venture downtown.
Sigh…we have such a tough job…
Bella Gelateria: www.bellagelateria.com
1001 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
604.569.1010
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Let us know what you think or share your great finds with us so we can share them with other Vancouver mothers!
Chocolate with Sea Salt and Thai Coconut Milk… mmm… need Bella Gelateria NOW!!!