Probably one of the best ways to entice passers-by to come in for gelato is for them to see people happily spooning or licking up inside a vibrant shop.
When I had the chance to take Motoretta's gelato, sorbetto, and granitas for a taste-drive ahead of the shop's July 7 opening, that's exactly what happened, as just about anyone who passed by the storefront at 1001 West Cordova St. at the base of the Fairmont Pacific Rim.
The new Italian gelateria is all about paying tribute to the "free-spirited fun" of Italian motor scooters - and, of course, the fun that is enjoying gelato and sorbetto, whether you're enjoying a cup or cone in their aesthetically-pleasing renovated shop, or grabbing a cool treat to enjoy outside in Coal Harbour.
Motoretta has slid in where a longstanding popular Vancouver gelateria, Bella, once stood.
Speaking of Bella, Motoretta has nabbed one of its former pros - gelato maker Salvatore Boccarossa, who most recently was at Passione Gelato.
"Born in Naples, Boccarossa grew up in a warm Italian family learning the lessons of quality, freshness and staying true to the seasons. A graduate of the Carpigiani Gelato University and co-winner of the Grand Title of North America Champions, Boccarossa uses his expertise and passion to bring handcrafted gelato to life," describes a media release.
At Motoretta, we can expect all sorts of incredible gelato and non-dairy sorbetto. Opening week flavours included a fruit-studded Amarena Cherry, a rich Gianduia (chocolate hazenult), and a sunny Passion Fruit sorbetto. But the star was their Crema Motoretta, a custard-y vanilla with hints of lemon - it's a must try.
The shop is also where you'll find an Italian regional specialty, granita, which hails from Sicily.
Granita is the evolution of an ancient treat made by adding lemon juice or fruit syrup to fresh winter snow, now done as a sweet and creamy semi-frozen dessert that's eaten with brioche, a rich buttery bread.
"To fully enjoy the Sicilian granita [...] we suggest you to carve out at least 30 minutes of complete relaxation, and seat comfortably at an outdoor bar, while admiring the architectural beauties, reading a newspaper or just chatting with friends," urges the official Visit Sicily website. Grabbing a seat to enjoy this treat without flying to Sicily can be easily achieved - along with all the other relaxing activities as suggested - at Vancouver's Motoretta.
The treat shop is another venture by Kitchen Table Group, the Vancouver restaurant operation that also runs Giovane Bacaro and Giovane Caffe at the Pacific Rim (and a second one coming to downtown Vancouver), along with well-loved local restaurants like Ask For Luigi and Pourhouse.
To get the latest scoop on Motoretta, you can follow them on Instagram: @motorettagelato.
Watch: We visited Motoretta to try out gelato, sorbetto, and granita
@vancouverisawesome This brand new authentic gelato shop is #forkingawesome! #vancouverbc #vancouverfoodie #treats ♬ sonido original - Esteve <3
