Tag Archives: ice cream

Bella Gelateria in Yaletown

Bella Gelateria Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - ZomatoMy friend had raved (as well as other people and reviews) on their gelato. But every time I wanted to check it out, there was a huge lineup near the Waterfront location.

When the second location opened, I thought of finally trying it out, but took until now to even see it in person.

I knew that this location was a restaurant, as I had read some other reviews. We waited on the sidewalk for a while, as a couple was waiting to be seated for dining. Other people arrived and we all wondered it we were allowed to just walk in to the ‘gelato’ part of the venue.
idearabbit-bellagelateria1 idearabbit-bellagelateria2 idearabbit-bellagelateria4 idearabbit-bellagelateria5 idearabbit-bellagelateria6The place was high-end chic like place. Modern and very Yaletown-ish. However, when I looked at the menu for dinner, it wasn’t outrageously expensive, so I thought it wouldn’t be bad to come back for dinner, especially when the weather is nice by the water front.

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The gelato were kept cool in the metal bins with lids – something I had not seen before.

idearabbit-bellagelateria7I ordered 1 cup of gelato $5.50. I sampled Earl Grey Tea. Mmmmm! Yes, the flavour is much richer than other earl grey flavoured chocolates that I have tried, so this was a pleasant surprise. In fact, I have never tried Earl Grey tea ice cream. I also tried the Thai Organic Coconut which was really good too. But in the end, I went to a cup of Earl Grey. The portion was small, but it was enough for me. It is pricey – when I think of authentic gelato from Italy or even in Germany which were only 1-2 Euros, paying over $5 was expensive. However, it seems to be the norm in Vancouver, and they are located in a pricey area.

After the staff scooped the gelato, she asked if I wanted dark or white chocolate poured onto it. I was like, no! Why would I want to destroy the subtle taste of earl grey with chocolate? I could understand if it was vanilla. I thought it was strange to add/mask the main flavour with chocolate, especially coming from a high-end place. Is this what real gelato has? Though I don’t recall it in Italy. It felt like all those fancy sushi rolls (that does not exist in Japan) in North America where they try to drown everything in sauce – the same sauce, for whatever roll you may have, so you end up feeling like every roll is the same.

Good professional service and gelato. I would return for dinner next time!

Taste: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot   Service:  carrotcarrotcarrot
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Earnest Ice Cream

Earnest Ice Cream Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato My friend has been requesting that we go check out this place ever since his friend gave him some ice cream from this place. It was around 10pm, but the place was lively with mostly young people enjoying their ice cream. It was a hipsterish venue, but kept clean, slick and modern.

10 flavours were written on the blackboard, as well as above the actual bucket of ice cream. The staff were really friendly, and she let my friend and I try out many flavours. But I have to say that the best was London’s fog. It was really strong and creamy. It’s speckled with what looks like real earl grey tea leaves… almost like eating a earl grey float.

idearabbit-ernest1idearabbit-earnest2idearabbit-earnest3idearabbit-earnest4For a single scoop for $5, the pint for $11 seemed like an awesome deal. I can’t eat that much ice cream at one time anyways, so being able to choose the amount, and when I want to eat was an attractive option. My friend and I both ended up getting a pint of London Fog each.

My friend asked why their ice cream was so good, and the staff replied saying that they use a lot of cream hehehe. Sorry, this is not a weight-friendly dessert place :P

idearabbit-earnest5I like their brand identity, and like the fact that if you return the jar with the lid, you get a $1 refund. I think it’s great that the packaging is reusable. I wish more places would do something similar. Though, I must admit, mine is still sitting on the counter, along with a glass bottle that I also need to return to a juicery place for refund. Not the most convenient, but if you go there frequently, it shouldn’t be a problem.

The trendy atmosphere, nice staff and the option to take home the ice cream gives this place a greater advantage than some of the other ice cream places. No wonder it’s so popular!

I would like to return, but I must refrain… until maybe a special occasion, as it’s too good, and I must watch the waist lines :P

 

Taste: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot

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O’ Mio Gelato

O' Mio Gelato Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - ZomatoWhen we arrived, the place was empty. The owner was a super friendly and chatty Italian who said he came to Canada when he was very little. All the gelato are made homemade and he allows to try samples of the ones you’re interested in.
$4 for 1 scoop, though it’s actually two small scoops, and $7 for 2 scoops. 1 scoop was plenty! You have a choice of cone or cup – both the same price. I had the espresso chocolate flake in a cup and my friend had Vanilla salted caramel in a cone.

idearabbit-omiogelato idearabbit-omiogelato2 idearabbit-omiogelato3 idearabbit-omiogelato5 idearabbit-omiogelato6We sat outside on the patio while a father with 2 kids dropped by, then a mother with his son came by. So not busy, but there seems to be a few customers here and there.

idearabbit-omiogelato4As we chatted away, we noticed the next door was a salon shop. The sign said they did ‘feather hair extensions’ and wondered what those were. We were surprised to see the man from the gelato shop go into the closed salon. We then asked if he also owned the salon and started chatting about feather hair extensions.
The gelato doesn’t have a huge selection, but while you’re there, you do feel a sense of community and down-to-earthness, despite not having that many customers. It’s open till 9pm which is incredibly late considering it’s not in downtown, and there aren’t that many traffic in the area.
Go check it out!

Taste: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrot

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