West Chester’s Gemelli Gelato inspires artisans on the opposite coast of the country. Jennifer and Fareed Al-Abboud met in Spokane 20 years ago at a salsa class, writes Kristine Sherred for The News Tribune. 

But it wasn’t dancing that would define their journey, but instead the beloved cold dessert.  

Medzo Gelato has shops throughout the Seattle area and is opening a new location in Tacoma. After visiting the Sigep trade show in Italy, the couple started training. That’s where Gemelli comes in.

Founded by Italian-born Vincenzo and U.S.-born Julianne Tettamanti, the shop boasts of making its gelato from scratch. The 60-minute classes taught by Vincenzo teach its pupils how to do exactly that. Vincenzo is trained by the cream of the crop of gelato artisans in his homeland.  

However, the Al-Abbouds got a more intense private course that spanned 16 hours over two days to get unbiased advice from a business that was not associated with an equipment manufacturer. The Seattle couple returned to Bologna to make gelato from scratch.

Medzo uses the “one pan at a time” method by customizing each flavor. The shop has become popular for its classic flavors such as stracciatella, saffron rice, rose, and peanut butter. 

Read more about the Seattle gelato chain and its West Chester inspiration in The News Tribune.   

Gemelli artisanal gelato and cafe.