It's been two years since Frost turned many a Tucsonan on to the wonders of gelato.
Now comes the competition.
Melt Gelato and Crepe Cafe opened Memorial Day weekend at the Tucson Mall, giving Northwest Side residents another selection of cool treats to fend off the summer heat.
"This is really great," said customer Karen Halverson, who grabbed herself a serving of fat-free sorbetto during a recent visit to the mall.
Melt is on the southern end of the mall's food court, occupying the space formerly used by Haagen-Dazs. Passers-by are tempted by the offer of free samples, which helped hook shopper Maureen Feduniak.
"This is just what I need after being outside all day," said Feduniak, who chose tiramisu-flavored gelato after also sampling pistachio and hazelnut.
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Melt offers 32 flavors of gelato — an Italian ice cream made with milk and sugar that is considered lighter than traditional ice cream — and sorbetto, a frozen dessert made with iced fruit puree. Gelato gained popularity in the Tucson area in 2005 when Frost opened in the Casas Adobes Plaza at North Oracle and East Ina roads.
Frost co-owner Jeff Kaiserman said he's not surprised that other gelato shops are opening. "It's a popular product, so people are starting to get wind of how much people like it."
Melt's menu also includes about a dozen types of crepes — thin pancakes wrapped around a variety of ingredients. Sweet crepes are filled with fruits or cream cheese, while savory crepes are made with fruit, cheese, bacon and eggs, chicken and smoked salmon.
Manager Joe Stilchen said he and his employees have had to do a bit of explaining to customers who are not familiar with crepes, but it's been easy because "at least they can watch us make the crepes."
There is also a selection of panini sandwiches, which are grilled sandwiches with meat and cheese inside, making Melt more than just a treat shop.
"We actually complement what else there is in the mall," co-owner Colleen Boulos said.
Melt is one of 22 franchises throughout the country. There are two in the Phoenix area, and Boulos said a second location is expected to open at Park Place mall by the end of this month.
If you go
• What: Melt Gelato and Crepe Cafe.
• Where: Tucson Mall food court.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
• Prices: $2.95 for a 4-ounce serving of gelato or sorbetto, $3.95 for a 6-ounce, two-flavor serving; crepes range from $3.95 for cheese to $7.95 for a Norwegian, which has smoked salmon; panini sandwiches range from $2.99 for cheese to $4.99 for Tuscan chicken.
• For more information: Go online to http://www.meltogelato.com.
