Maria Rand (via Instagram)
The pumpkin frappe is one of The Cremeria's newest fall items.
Autumn is in full swing: vibrant fall foliage and warm flavors are everywhere. Look no further than The Cremeria in Clinton for a taste of the season. With choices ranging from creamy chai and pumpkin gelatos to bright apple sorbet, the picturesque shop has everything fall-lovers are looking for.
Autumn seasonal flavors include creamy pumpkin gelato – perfect for any “pumpkin spice” fan – and a warm cinnamon, which perfectly balances the strong aromatic with the sweetness of the gelato. For a less heavy, dairy-free option, the apple cider sorbet is a bright and refreshing choice.
The Apple Affogato with hot apple cider and vanilla gelato offers a fall twist on the traditional Italian treat (a scoop of gelato with a shot of espresso over top).
Anyone not ready for summer to be over can still enjoy the refreshing taste of the dairy-free flavors which have a texture similar to sorbet. The fruit-based flavors – which rotate daily – range from Sicilian Lemon to blackberry.
New Hartford student Julia Peplinski recommends a mix of the vanilla gelato with any fruit flavor: “Whether it is strawberry, raspberry, or mango, with vanilla it’s the perfect combo!”
Opened in 2016 as a cart, owner Maria Rand dreamed of opening an Italian pastry shop for many years before training in the art of gelato in Bologna, Italy and bringing her passion for the delectable treat across the pond. As The Cremeria nears their tenth anniversary her commitment to traditional Italian techniques and innovative flavors have gained a loyal, local following.
“After having worked as an industrial designer for several years, I learned more about myself and what I found important in the world of small business, community, and sustainability,” she says. For Rand, gelato is “a way to combine all of the values that I thought important: a quality product, a strong sense of heritage, a small gesture that can be enjoyed by most all, a means for facilitating community, and an emphasis on small business”.
The business’s emphasis on traditional methods and a community atmosphere is no coincidence.
“While many ice cream shops often position themselves in a place of high foot traffic and tourism, I specifically sought out a community atmosphere so that we could become a local gathering place,” Rand says. “Taking the time to make quality gelato the traditional way shines through in both our product and the experience that we create for customers.”
Everything about The Cremeria indicates attention to detail: from the Italian interior design, to the thoughtfully chosen flavors.
Katie Pimpinella, a senior at New Hartford who has traveled to Italy twice, claims The Cremeria “is honestly the closest thing to authentic gelato that [she’s] had in America” and that their authenticity is what makes the local business so unique.
With so many interesting choices, it can be hard to pick just one or two flavors when visiting.
“Ask for samples if it’s your first time!” Katie recommends. “The entire staff is very kind and patient, and they’ll always let you try the flavors before you decide.”