A new gelateria has arrived in the Mission. Coletta Gelato, which opened in SoMa back in January, now has a new spot inside Harrington Galleries at 599 Valencia St. (at 17th St.)
Coletta Gelato serves eight flavors from its white and tangerine-colored bicycle cart dubbed the “Cruiser,” including its most popular flavor, gianduia — chocolate-hazelnut.
Other flavors—including rosemary, almond, pistachio, guava, strawberry, cookie-coconut and mint chip—change weekly.
While combining vintage furniture and gelato may not seem the most obvious choice, Coletta manager Noah Marsh spoke to the difficulty of opening new shops in the city.
Marsh said Harrington Gallery's owners were looking to bring new life into the space—a perfect opportunity for their gelato cruiser. “Also, it is very cool to eat some gelato and see some old and new furniture," said Marsh, "it is kind of nostalgic.”
The gelateria has its own entrance and occupies a 300-square-foot space inside the store, complete with bistro tables and chairs.
Coletta Gelato comes courtesy of two graduates from Bologna’s Gelato University: Antonio Massimini and Henri Waltenspühl.
After meeting at SDA Bocconi Management School in Milan—where they completed masters degrees in food and beverage management—the two headed to Gelato University, learning how to select the best raw ingredients and balance recipes.
Apparently, San Francisco was the plan all along. "Upon graduation, [the two] set [their] sights on bringing true Italian gelato to the Bay Area,” Marsh explained.
The two owners thought the Bay Area was perfect for Coletta Gelato. Not only does the Bay Area have a demanding foodie population, it's close to the fresh ingredients Coletta Gelato's recipes require.
Currently, sorbet flavors like strawberry and guava are served as dairy-free options. The company is also experimenting with alternate recipes involving almond and cashew milk to appeal to dairy-free consumers.
Coletta Gelato is also working on several recipes to "do something with a lower glycemic index," said Massimini.
The gelato is served in piccolo (two scoops) for $5, and grande (three scoops) for $7. Guests can also purchase gelato to-go in biodegradable insulated containers for $18 (serves 4-6 people) or $35 (serves 8+).
The Coletta Cruiser is open in Harrington Galleries Thursday to Sunday, 12-10pm.
