Photo Credit: MIchael Norwood[/caption]Yum, a new gelato, sorbet, and crepe shop, officially opened May 8. The unusual shop is owned by Mick and Kate Carroll. The Carrolls are also owners of the neighboring restaurant, Radius Pizzeria & Pub. The store is located at 118 N. Churton St in downtown Hillsborough.
Kate Carroll spoke for the two when she said that the duo wanted to originally open a pizzeria and sweet shop at the same time, but there wasn’t enough space. While the mix of gelato and crepes may seem strange to some, Carroll said that the pair just came as a “natural connection.” She also mentioned that ”gelato and crepes are just healthier forms of ice cream and pancakes.” The couple wanted to bring something new to Hillsborough that they hadn’t seen much of, a dessert location.
The restaurant currently offers around four sorbets and 8-10 gelatos depending on the daily availability. Crepes are made to order. Some of the flavors for gelato include anything from plain strawberry or espresso to acquired flavors of sweet tea or lime-cilantro. Sorbets include Granny Smith apple, mango cardamom (ginger), and more. Flavors will most likely vary with the season as well. All the gelatos are handcrafted and sorbets are sugar-free. Root beer floats and classic sundaes also are expected to be offered.
The restaurant itself is fairly small, but friendly. The serving counter looks like one found in a typical ice cream shop and the staff will kindly greet you as you walk in. The ordering process is also like that of a standard ice cream serving counter, with the exception of ordering a crepe. The atmosphere is very clean and bright with natural lighting and an array of color decorating the menu and shop. The location also offers an outside seating area.
The sweet shop has been a hit for many Hillsborough folk. People can be seen enjoying their treats during various hours of the day. Jessica Smith, a resident who enjoyed the strawberry gelato, says, “It’s really nice, having somewhere you can stop at downtown to get something cold and sweet.”
The restaurant is currently closed due to an issue with the freezer, but it should be reopened soon.
Written by Devin Johnson, Brianna Hales, and Maddie Norwood
During the festival, people can go to local cafes and restaurants. Last Friday brings in a lot of business to places such as the Wooden Nickel and Radius Pizzeria. Often the Wooden Nickel is so packed one can barely make it through the door. Cup-A-Joe holds a pie contest and sells all of the entries after winners have been chosen. The Hillsborough Arts Council runs an Art Walk. Art museums provide information about sculptures located around Hillsborough to residents. April 26 kicked off the first Last Friday of this year. Numerous vendors sold food and drinks while clubs and businesses tried to recruit new members and buyers. The Brand New Life, an indie rock and jazz band, played music on the steps of the Orange County Courthouse to entertain festival goers.
Haley Moser, an OHS junior, thinks that Last Fridays are “great” because “they’re a special occasion that's looked forward to by people of all ages. They’re an important tradition in Hillsborough because they allow people to “show off goods they make or to just socialize with people they might not see very often.”
The next Last Friday will take place on May 31. The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra, a bluegrass band, will perform.