It’s not just eager mamas-to-be who love the gelato at Stella Luna, including one special flavour that apparently has the power to induce labour. In fact, it has received the award for Best Gelato in Canada as well as the International Journalists Choice Award at the 2017 Gelato World Tour. Tammy knows a thing or three about gelato, having graduated from Carpigiani Gelato University in Italy prior to establishing her first shop in Ottawa eight years ago.

While the gelato is outstanding and produced in an ever-changing array of flavours, there is far more on offer at Stella Luna. Breakfast temptations include croissant-wiches, buttermilk waffles, crepes and scones, all best enjoyed with a specialty coffee. Panini, farm-fresh salads and hearty soups are among the gourmet lunch options, while the incredibly creative talent in the Stella Luna kitchen continually turns out new desserts. “When you pair a decadent dessert with a side of gelato … why, that’s just sinfully delicious,” adds Tammy with a hearty laugh.

Singer-songwriter extraordinaire Danielle Allard and friends are hosting an Arts and Crafts Soiree with groovy live music the second Sunday of every month at Stella Luna Hintonburg. Starting at 7pm, admission is free and there’s fun for all to be had. Stick around for Gelato Madness Sundays from 9pm to 10pm with 40% off all gelato (while quantities last).

“It’s shaping up to be an extraordinary summer with the completion of the park adjacent to our urban patio,” says Tammy. “It’s reminiscent of that European ambiance we’ve been striving for, where neighbours gather, children play, lovers kiss and everyone savours the simple pleasures of summer in Ottawa – a well-deserved reward after such a grueling winter.”

Speaking of warm weather, this year’s Summer Stella Challenge offers a free gelato to all who either paddle from their Bank Street location to their ‘Stella Luna on the Rideau’ shop in Merrickville, or those who bike from Hintonburg to Merrickville, she adds. “Grab a selfie at the start and show it to us when you arrive!” A word of caution: this should probably not be attempted by very pregnant women hoping for a magical chili-chocolate-cinnamon gelato-induced labour.

For more fresh FINDs from Wellington West, check back here every Tuesday!

Keyword tags: WWBIA, Wellington West, Ottawa, Hintonburg, cafe, coffee shop, gelato, cocktails, breakfast, sandwiches, panini, desserts, patio, music, community