A Taste of Italy
When Ali Ataman first visited Edmonds 12 years ago, he instantly fell in love with the community. So when he decided to start a new business venture and open Canarino Gelato, there was no question where he wanted to do it — Edmonds.
Since opening in June of 2013, Canarino Gelato has brought the taste of Italy right here to Edmonds. With its handcrafted artisan gelato, Ataman has built a menu around the favorite treat of many.
Canarino Gelato offers gelato cakes, gelato shakes and hot chocolate molten cakes served with gelato. “One of our best selling items is Affogato, which is a scoop of gelato of your choice topped with two shots of espresso,” shared Ataman.
While gelato is the Italian term for ice cream, there is simply no comparison. From the way it is made to its taste, it differs greatly. Because gelato is churned very slowly, it incorporates less air, which makes it denser. And the temperature at which it is served, slightly warmer than that of ice cream, gives it a softer and silkier texture. The flavor also is more prominent in gelato because it contains less fat than that of ice cream. Now who can resist all of that?
And when it is as fresh as it is at Canarino Gelato, it’s even better! Ataman said they hand craft their gelato, making it fresh daily, giving customers the freshest product possible.
“All of the ingredients to make gelato are imported from Italy except for the milk,” said Ataman. “For the sorbetto, we buy fresh fruits from local farmers markets.”
The outstanding reviews speak to the quality of gelato as well as the atmosphere and friendliness. “Canarino is one of the best gelato places I've ever been to; it's delicious and the service is outstanding! Try it sometime!” wrote one fan of Canarino Gelato. While another, who has tasted gelato halfway around the world agreed, “Their biscotti gelato is the best I've ever tried. And I've been to Italy so I should know.”
Ataman is involved in every aspect of his business, overseeing everything including production, marketing and providing superior customer service. It is something he learned from his uncles who own a gelato store, Fainting Goat Gelato, in Seattle. “Having family recipes definitely played a big role in our success from day one,” said Ataman.
Ataman has built a staff of wonderful employees who, like him, pride themselves on providing excellent customer service. “I am very proud of my team members, as they work so hard to make sure that everyone leaves the store happy,” said Ataman.
He and his employees enjoy giving back to the community they call home. Canarino Gelato donates to school events and various causes in the community. His staff, comprised of local high school students, also participates in volunteer activities in their schools and churches.
In the two years since it opened, Canarino Gelato has proven that it is here to stay. And to the delight of many, it will be expanding and moving to a new location this month. Expanding beyond gelato, Ataman said they will now be more of a café and offer more products, including espresso, Turkish coffee, tea, bakery items and many more dessert options. Their hours will also expand. Weekdays they will be open from 7am to 10pm, and will stay open until 11pm on the weekends.
Canarino Gelato
203 5th Ave S, Ste 4
Edmonds, WA 98020
425.243.9635
