Gelato made in small batches from fresh ingredients

Once upon a time in Maui, not so long ago, Italian style gelato was non-existent. Residents and visitors who longed for a taste of the frothy, frozen Italian style confection had to either leave the island or squelch the urge entirely – and who wanted to do either? Fortunately, times have changed and as of of July 4^th the creamy, dreamy, chilly sweet is available at Ono Gelato on Front Street.

The enterprising trio behind Ono Gelato opened their first outlet in Pa`ia in late 2007. It was a clear hit. Dedicated to using organic, whole, local, sustainable, environmentally friendly ingredients while conducting business as pono as possible, it’s no surprise Melissa, Valerie and Stefano, who hail originally from Victoria, British Columbia, have managed to expand their business even during times of economic challenge.

Perhaps it’s the combination of Stefano’s third-generation experience in gelato making (his family hails from Torino, Italy) along with Maui’s natural year-round gelato environment that makes Ono Gelato unstoppable. Or maybe it’s the fact they turn out gelato on-site in small, fresh batches. Or perhaps it’s the general sense of happiness customers get just walking into the store.

Breakfast Specialties, Too!

One thing is certain; Ono Gelato is a delightful treasure trove of palatable goodies and eye candy all under one roof. Besides the obvious — the assortment of fresh flavored gelatos (both water and cream based) — you’ll find imported special-TEAS that can be individually packed to take home in adorable little containers. Buy a scones, croissants or other almost too pretty to eat baked good, add a few kitchen-fresh jams and jellies and invite your friends over for high tea. Be sure to offer them a piece of impressive Gelato Cake afterward and become Queen for the day.

The best advice I can offer is don’t wait until after lunch or dinner to stop by, since Ono Gelato also makes some of the best sandwiches and paninis you’ve ever tasted. The chicken salad is scrumptious with giant chunks of white breast served in a perfect baguette, while the veggie/avocado wrap is out of this world. Everything offered at Ono Gelato just screams FRESH and BEAUTIFUL, like the faces of the owners.

When I checked out the small display of darling garments toward the back of the store and learned the clothing line is just another of the hard-working owners’ creations I was blown away. How they manage to pull it all off in terms of getting everything done, (and done so right), merchandising everything so exquisitely, keeping a flawless and relaxed shop while charging reasonable prices is beyond my comprehension.

Oh, so Ono!

All I can tell you is that Kale the What’s Cooking Maui tiki god refused to leave until I bought him another scoop of gelato and a giant coconut cupcake…