A second Sirena Gelato opened early March in Barkley Village, with local entrepreneur, Brian Ugurlu, at the helm. Brian is the son of Fahri and Robin Ugurlu, the owners of Coppa Mediterreanean Bistro and The Harborside Bistro.

They opened Sirena Gelato in Fairhaven last year after Brian trained in Italy to learn the business. The success has inspired a second shop, with a third one in the works for downtown Bellingham.

"Barkley was the perfect second location," said Brian. "There are schools and families nearby and no other ice cream-type places around here."

Sirena offers over 40 flavors of homemade gelato, sorbet and sherbet manufactured at their Fairhaven location on an Italian machine using natural ingredients. They also serve cookies, waffle cups, and gelato cakes. The newest menu item is a Cafe Afagato, two scoops of gelato with two shots of espresso poured on top. The concept has been a hit.

"Our next plan is to look at locations in the Seattle area," said Brian. "Gelato is the trend and ours is the best."

For more information, phone 733-6700.

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(4-15-2006)