Now that we've been getting reasonably nice weather in Edmonton, it's officially the start of ice cream season! (To be fair, ice cream doesn't, or shouldn't, have a seasonal expiration date.)
Unlike our neighbours down south, blessed with their Village Ice Cream and Made by Marcus (no, I'm not jealous ... not at all), we don't really have much of an artisanal ice cream scene. Sure, we have plenty of bingsu and rolled ice cream, but they don't really count as the traditional ice cream we know and love.
But you know what's even better than ice cream?
Yes, that's right. Gelato.
Situated in the Mayfair on Jasper Ave., La Carraia is the second outpost of a Florence-based gelateria. Why they chose Edmonton out of all places to expand, I have no idea. But I'm glad our humble city is getting some recognition.
After dinner at Clementine, we originally had our eyes (and heart) set on Tsujiri for dessert. Plan A quickly turned to plan B when we saw the dreaded line-up. No matter, I'll take gelato as a consolation prize any day.
The shop is quite small, and it can be a bit awkward and tight if you walk through the door and there's already people hovering around the display counter. It seems like most people grab and go but if you decide to stay in to eat, they have a few high tables and chairs on the perimeter. If the weather's cooperating, they also have some patio tables outside.
La Carraria's entire gelato repertoire is 40 flavours, but because of the limits of the display case, they only carry up to 24 flavours at a time.
Gelato is priced at $4.90 for a scoop, $5.90 for two scoops, and $7.50 for three. Waffle cones are a $1.00 extra. Staff are also eager to give samples before you make your choice.
KN went for a double scoop ($5.90) of cookies and Sinfonia Carraia (cream with orange sauce and dark chocolate). I tried both and have to say the cookies flavour tasted exactly like a chocolate chip cookie! The Sinfonia (Italian for symphony) has orange creamsicle vibes, but truthfully I'm not a huge fan of orange and chocolate together.
For me, I typically prefer lighter, fruitier flavours, and they had a few to choose from. I ended up with a double scoop of mixed berry and mango. Texture of the gelato was great. Smooth, creamy, and not too dense. I thought the mixed berry was the better of the two, as the flavour was more prominent.
Although I stand behind Bella Gelateria as the best gelato I've ever had (thus far), La Carraia does a good job of filling that void in my
La Carraia
10067 109 Street NW
Edmonton, AB
(780) 244-0648
- CT
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