New BFFs: Parkdale and Gelato
* Article published in City Bites Magazine, Issue 37
There’s nothing like a good friend, except for a good friend who makes you gelato.
This summer, Melanie Clancy, a resident of Parkdale for the past ten years, is bringing to Parkdale what she always thought it needed – a new BFF in the form of homemade, all-natural and all-Canadian gelato.
Clancy, founder of The Boreal Gelato Company, 1312 Queen St West, opened her doors to give us the scoop on her scoops.
So why did you choose Parkdale as the first home for The Boreal Gelato Company?
I have lived in this area for over 10 years. And I’ve seen its transformation to a really hip spot of trendy restaurants, cafes and bars. I’m proud of Parkdale. I wanted to offer something different, something classically Canadian and not a passing trend, Boreal Gelato Co. is going to be something real that everyone would be in to– from families to the ‘night owls.’
What is the story behind the name “The Boreal Gelato Company?”
I wanted a name that brings to mind the cool Canadian north.
How did you learn to make your own Gelato? And how do you make it now?
photo courtesy of BlogTO.com
Last year I went to New York to perfect my gelato-making skills from scratch. Now I make Boreal Gelato based not just on what I learned from the experts, but I am always experimenting to find new, crazy-good flavour combinations.
Where do you hope to take Boreal Gelato Company in the future?
One day at a time, but I would like to open a few more locations around Toronto. I’d also love to grow the wholesale side of the business, such as churning up custom flavours for local restaurants and special events.
What’s this I hear about “guest scoopers?”
The more I talked about the business the more my friends in the food and drink industry got really excited about it. Even a few big name chefs have said they want to come out for a night to scoop cones!
What experience do you hope people will have when they walk into Boreal Gelato Company?
It’s a pretty big space, but it feels cozy and warm. I meant it to be a place to come and hang out – cool down from the heat in summer, or warm up in the winter – we serve really good coffee too! The shop is also going to be an art gallery with rotating local artists every couple months.
photo courtesy of Torontolife.com
Because I am only using natural ingredients, you won’t see flavours like bubble gum and tiger tail. Gelato is an artisan product, made in small batches, based on freshness and real ingredients. The options for Boreal Gelato flavours are are going to be endless! Pumpkins and spices in the fall, savory flavours in the winter and juicy refreshing ones for the spring and summer.
Tell me about your gelato cakes, and do you have any other gelato-themed treats up your sleeve?
Small individual cakes and ice-pops are our other specialties. My favourite dessert at the shop at the moment is called the Half-Baked. You have to come it to try it – it’s too good for words.
Now that Boreal Gelato Co. is about to open its doors, what words would you use to toast it’s opening?
Bar none, it is the most fun and stressful thing I have ever done to date. But so very rewarding. Especially now that I’ve seen who comes out of the woodwork to help. It’s been a long road but I seriously feel like my whole life has lead me to this.
For more information visit The Boreal Gelato Company website at www.borealgelato.ca.
