CAROLINA BEACH—The weather is finally starting to warm up, which might send some people in search of something to cool off with, like gelato. What about pairing that with the flavor of your favorite wine?
A new twist
Latella Gelato, at Carolina Beach’s boardwalk is hoping to bring a new twist to its classic gelato with wine infused gelato.
Latella Gelato is going into its second season in Carolina Beach and owner Jeanie Shaffer said she is looking to find new and different things to serve guests.
Everything at Latella Gelato is made in the restaurant’s kitchen, and the wine infused gelato would be no different, Shaffer said. Guests could expect flavors like Blackberry Merlot, Vanilla Chardonnay, and Cherry Pinot.
Shaffer said she tries to use as many local ingredients as possible when making gelato and other items at the store.
Permit needed
But don’t get too excited just yet, since Latella Gelato did not initially begin serving alcohol, the Town of Carolina Beach has to approve a conditional use permit for the store to serve alcohol.
Shaffer has applied for an ABC permit and now is requesting a CUP from the town. On May 10, Planning and Zoning Committee will hear Shaffer’s request for the permit. Once Planning and Zoning hear the request and make a decision, the motion will move to the Town Council, which will ultimately approve or deny the request.
If approved Latella Gelato would be zoned as a bar or tavern, according to town zoning ordinances. But just because it would have a new classification, not much would change.
In fact, the only reason Shaffer is applying for the ABC wine permit is so she does not have to cook the wine out of the gelato. Shaffer said that while the dessert will be alcoholic, it would take a lot to catch a buzz off the frozen treat.
In Carolina Beach, bars are not permitted to operate within 200-feet of a church, school, or residential district. Since the gelato shop is located on the town boardwalk, it would appear there would be no conflict with these requirements.
On Tuesday, the Town Council will consider setting a public hearing for the CUP and while the date has not been set yet, preliminary dates appear to be scheduled for June 12, 2018.
If all goes according to plan Schaffer said she hopes to be serving the wine infused gelato by August.
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