CHESTERMERE – If you think opening an ice cream shop in the dead of winter is a bit on the optimistic side, well you’re probably right but due to equipment delays the Amato Gelato couldn’t open any sooner than they did and that’s okay with owner Altaf and his wife Shamim Lallany. The pair came to Chestermere from Vancouver just 3 months ago and began the process of opening the unique franchise. In Vancouver they gave up the coffee shop they had been running for 3 ½ years since they immigrated to Canada from Kenya and decided to give the gelato business a try. The stylish equipment that comes all the way from Italy was delayed and thus the grand opening didn’t happen until just 4 weeks ago. Lallany is very proud of the quality of his product it shows through in his optimism of opening the parlour in the winter. He and his wife love Chestermere and like the location of the store. We sat and chatted about all of the products while his wife made me an amazing tasting cappuccino. Yes, one of the best I’ve ever had and they have several other types of gourmet coffees and teas just like the other coffee outlets in town.
Have you ever tried to find a flavour to satisfy your cravings and your search has come up empty handed? Well wait no longer folks as Amato gelato should be able to fit that bill. The gelato comes in over 100 different flavours and Lallamy has 72 available at any given time. There is no lack of choices here folks as it will probably be daunting to decide which flavour to choose. This is premium ice cream at its finest; made with fresh milk/cream and all natural flavouring. Amano Gelato also sells Sorbetto; this is a 100% dairy free product made with real fruit; no artificial flavouring here either. And to round out the selection, there is also yogurt ice cream available. But there are more offerings with items like the banana split, or milkshakes of any flavour imaginable and smoothies.
Well we’ve talked about the coffee and the ice cream (gelato) so just to compliment the beginning and end of the menu, Lallany introduces the Panini and the Focaccia. The same quality goes into these two sandwiches as does the gelato and at a very reasonable price too. It is truly a shop where you can get a full meal ticket with tons of variety and flavours.
Need a cake for that special occasion? Amato gelato also makes custom cakes in sizes 8″, 10″ and 12″. You will be able to choose from a number of different designs that will fit any occasion and budget.
At the back of the brightly lit store is a colourful display case containing several different items including custom gelato cakes (ice cream cakes). Now it would be unrealistic of me to try and describe these cakes but here is a small sampling of the cake flavours available; Raspberry Tartufo, Bacio Bianco, Tiramisu Gelato Torte, Grasshopper Pie and Lemon that will apparently knock your socks off. Start a new tradition this year and forget the Christmas pumpkin pie and try one of the ones above. Now wait, come to think of it, I think they have a gelato pumpkin pie.
Now if that doesn’t cover the gamut, in addition Amato Gelato also sells pastries, individual ice cream treats such as Calipops, Cono Palla (the Italian version of the drum stick), Bliss Bars and Gelato Sandwiches.
There are now 3 Amato Gelato’s in Calgary, 1 in Okotoks, 1 in Airdrie and our own right here in Chestermere. You just have to check it out for yourself – anytime is a good time for coffee, ice cream and a sandwich. Amato gelato is located across the parking lot from the Mac’s convenient store at 108, 320 West Creek Drive and they are open from 11 AM to 9:30 PM, every day of the week (winter hours). Phone 403-569-0079.
