By: Eva Ford | July 28 2010
Posted in Rogue Valley - Find It - Rogue Valley

"I know that this is fresh," says Bill Prahl, on making gelato everyday. Bill, along with his wife Joyce Prahl, created the inviting treasure trove known as Mamma Mia Gelateria in Jacksonville, Oregon two years ago. Their second location will open in Medford on Aug 1, 2010.

Photo: Eva Ford

Location
The J-ville location occupies an old blacksmith shop, yet it’s anything but dark. Jewel-toned accent walls complement old brick and high ceilings. Blown glass balloons hang above the gelato case, which the Prahls have filled with a delectable selection.

The new gelateria will occupy the old American Hearing Aid System’s spot at 42 South Central Avenue, facing the Craterian Ginger Roger’s Theater in downtown Medford, Oregon, a block or two away from Rogue Community College. Prahl is completing the remodel himself.

Flavors
Although the case contains only twelve flavors at a time, the company’s website lists 22 gelato, 22 sorbetto, and seven specialty flavors. Sample pistachio, cinnamon or coffee gelato. Or you might prefer strawberry-lime or mojito sorbetto. More flavors appear all the time–how about avocado?

Part of the Community
Local wineries occasionally engage Mamma Mia to create custom flavors like Pinot Gris or Syrah Sorbetto.  "I like to use everything as local as possible," says Prahl. The gelato contains Umpqua milk, free of hormones and antibiotics and produced in Oregon or SW Washington.

Gelato 
Often confused with ice cream, gelato is an Italian dessert simply meaning "frozen." It contains mainly milk as opposed to cream, has a lower fat content, less air and is served slightly warmer than ice cream.

Photo: Eva Ford

Sorbetto
Sorbetto is mostly fruit and water based. Mamma Mia’s is "prepared with all fresh and natural ingredients utilizing local, seasonal fresh fruits grown in the Rogue Valley," according to www.mammamiagelateria.com.

Low-Cost Luxury
"They say that ice cream is recession proof. It’s a low-cost luxury," said Prahl when asked about expanding during the recession. Like some of his flavors, he’s adventurous, stating, "...you never know if you don’t take the chance. I’d rather fail trying than not try at all."

Want a sample? Check them out at 157 California Street in Jacksonville or on South Central Avenue in Medford after the 1st. Cups range in price from $2.95 to $3.95; add 25-35 cents for a cone.

Where's your favorite place for a scoop?

< Prev		Next >