Cold Hearted Gelato flavors. Photo: Danielle Chemtob/Axios
A new gelato shop called Cold Hearted Gelato is now up and running in the Plaza Midwood space where Rita’s Italian Ice used to be.
Why it matters: It’s the brainchild of Chef Elinn Hesse, former chef de cuisine at Bardo and Counter-.
- Hesse moved to Charlotte from NYC about five years ago, where she worked at Michelin Star restaurants.
“I’ve been a chef my whole life, I look at flavors and ingredients first,” she explained when I asked her why she’s opening a gelato shop. “It’s my favorite part, it’s just pure flavor.”
- Hesse says you can expect flavors you won’t get anywhere else, made with botanicals and herbs that are sourced locally.
- Some examples include miso hazelnut gelato and vanilla tonka bean.
Fresh mint & cocoa nibs, red miso toasted hazelnut and the whole peach. Photo: Danielle Chemtob/Axios
The intrigue: Cold Hearted Gelato is located in Midwood Corners, the smaller shopping center at the corner of The Plaza and Central Avenue that’s been in the midst of a significant overhaul.
- Along with getting several new tenants, the shopping center has noticeable aesthetic upgrades (like new awnings and a new façade), plus a new patio/plaza area on the side of the building facing Central.
- Another newcomer: LA-based Dave’s Hot Chicken, which will open where Subway was.
Rendering courtesy of THRIFT Commercial Real Estate Services
Details: Cold Hearted Gelato will offer 12 flavors, including one to two sorbets depending on the season, and four constants, including the miso hazelnut and vanilla tonka bean.
- It won’t be anything like Rita’s or even Two Scoops down the road. Instead, it’ll cater to those with a “mature palate,” according to Hesse.
- It’s open Wednesday-Thursday 1pm-10pm, Friday-Sunday 11am-11pm, Monday 1pm-10pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
The burnt honey old bay and ginger & kaffir lime. Photo: Danielle Chemtob/Axios
