By Caroline Woodward
Yala Greek Ice Cream, the self-described “first authentic Greek ice cream shop in America,” is opening its inaugural U.S. shop in Georgetown, bringing new style and flavors to the local ice cream scene.
Yala Greek Ice Cream will open on July 20 — National Ice Cream Day — at 3143 N St. NW, formerly a space for an EagleBank branch.
The mission of Yala is to bring the Greek ice cream-making tradition to a new, American audience, with flavors based in traditional tastes and ingredients sourced directly from Greece and the Mediterranean region.
Some of these authentic flavors include classics, such as Papou’s Promise, a pure vanilla, or Pistachio Odyssey, a basic but flavorful pistachio. Other, slightly more inventive flavors, the Yala offers include Black Cherry Opa, a vanilla-based ice cream with black cherries and chocolate, and Greek Blue Summer, a blueberry and lemon-based ice cream. My personal favorite, Mornings with Thea, is a Greek yogurt-based ice cream with orange preserves that I highly recommend.
“The recipes are several generations of ice cream-making tradition from Greece, and we had the opportunity to acquire those recipes and bring this new brand here to the United States,” said Salah Czapary, co-founder of Yala.
Still, ice cream shops are fairly common around Georgetown with such classic names as Thomas Sweet and Ice Cream Jubilee or chains like Van Leeuwen or Haagen-Daz already fulfilling residents’ needs for a sweet treat. Amorino Gelato is about join the scene at 34th & M. So, what makes Greek ice cream different?
“American ice cream is very sweet. Gelato is very heavy. Greek ice cream is just right – it’s light and creamy, and the flavors speak for themselves,” said Chrys Kefalas, co-founder and owner of Yala.
During the store’s grand opening, it will invite community members not only to try its ice cream but also to make an optional donation to a number of local organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club, DC Central Kitchen and the Greek America Foundation.
“A core of who we are is about making the community our home and giving back and paying forward everything we’re able to do, “ said Kefalas.
Whether you’re looking to try something new or simply trying to beat the heat, Yala is offering a refreshing take on a traditional treat.
Yala Greek Ice Cream owner Chrys Kefalas, Tommy McFly, Jaber Even and Isabelle Bloom. Photo by Bill Starrels.
Yala Greek Ice Cream at 3143 N St. NW. Photo by Caroline Woodward.
Yala Greek Ice Cream at 3143 N St. NW. Photo by Bill Starrels.
