Chef and writer Meredith Ford will open Cremalosa American Gelato just east of downtown Decatur tomorrow, Feb. 21. The gelateria will serve small-batch gelatos, sorbets and other treats made in-house according to Italian tradition, but with influences from Ford's Southern upbringing.

Cremalosa owner Meridith Ford.
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Ford, a freelance food writer who was the AJC's dining critic from 2004-2010, announced the venture last year after working on the pastry programs at restaurateur Richard Ullio's various restaurants, including Sotto Sotto, Fritti, Escorpion and Novo Cucina.

“I am unbelievably honored to be opening Cremalosa’s doors in the Decatur community,” said Ford in a prepared statement. “My hope is that the shop serves as a place where families and friends gather often to enjoy each other’s company and some delicious gelato.”

Most of the shop’s gelato flavors - malted milk ball, hummingbird cake and peach cobbler, to name a few - are inspired by classic American desserts and candies, but Ford is open to suggestions from customers, encouraging them to write to her with flavor ideas and requests. There’s even a charitable cherry on top - if a customer’s suggested flavor makes it to the Cremalosa gelato case, the shop will donate 5% of the flavor’s monthly sales to a local school or women’s shelter of the customer’s choice.

Ford plans for Cremalosa to be a hub for wholesale operations in addition to a retail shop, with products available to restaurants and grocers around Georgia. The shop will also sell boozy shakes, adult affogatos, beer and wine.

Cremalosa. 2657 East College Ave., Decatur. cremalosa.com.

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