Close your eyes and imagine a delightful and diminutive shop where locals and visitors mingle while imbibing on flavorful Italian homemade gelatos and coffee drinks. This is the dream that Elizabeth Fontaine has brought to life at the Where We Met Gelateria and Espresso Bar, Tahoma’s newest gathering place.

While studying art in Italy, Fontaine fell in love with the country’s vibrant culture. After graduating from Westmont College, she decided to team up with her grandparents and open Where We Met near the Tahoma post office and Westside Pizza.

“Traveling invites acquaintances and friendships,” explains Fontaine. “You meet people everywhere you go and relationships are formed. Where We Met is a place for people to create new friendships, as I did while abroad.”

And admittedly a dish of luscious gelato and a shot of espresso can help fuel friendships quickly. To that end, each day Fontaine creates a selection of gelatos that range from chili chocolate and Tiramisu to pink grapefruit and Stracciatella. Fontaine helps out with the tricky flavor decision process by offering lots of samples.

“The gelato is special because it is made daily and the base is imported from Italy,” she says. “The espresso in the shop is also imported from Italy. My aim is to try to make the shop as authentic as possible.”

Where We Met is located at 7000 West Lake Blvd. in Tahoma.

 Where We Met Hosts The Way Much Band
Eager for a taste of Italy right here in Tahoma? Sample some fab gelatos and coffee drinks while chilling to The Way Much Band on Friday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mariani Plaza parking lot. The Santa Barbara-based band will play original acoustic rock melodies that are the perfect accompaniment to a sublime summer evening in Tahoe. Admission is free.