The little corner space on Market Street once occupied by Pauline’s Pastry, in the diagonal alley between Azteca and Anchor Tattoo, is home to Ballard’s newest sweet spot – Mimi Gelato.
After a recent trip to San Francisco, the owner’s wife tried some “incredible gelato,” Will tells us. “Needless to say that was the spark that started it all.” When the space at 2315 NW Market came available, they jumped on it.
The small shop sells locally made gelato from locally-purchased ingredients. The gluten-free treats come in many flavors including chocolate, pistachio, panna cotta, hazelnut (nutella), blood orange, pear, pineapple, coffee, wild berry, rice and lemon. Starting next week Will says they’ll have two flavors designed by them: black sesame and matcha (green tea.)
There’s also a bit of local history built into the new spot. “The counter tops and benches in the shop are reclaimed wood from Ballard Kitchen. Sixty or so years ago the kitchen was the Ballard fish market,” Will says.
Mimi Gelato is open Wednesday through Sunday noon to 8 p.m.