by intern Sakura Buker
Photo credit: Shannon Finney
Georgetown just got a little sweeter with the arrival of Yala Greek Ice Cream on N Street this July. Owned and operated by the charming Chrys Kefalas, Yala–”sweet” in Greek and “let’s go” in Arabic–offers a taste of Greek summer to DC.
Yala is situated on the corner of N Street and Wisconsin Avenue, right in the heart of Georgetown, a spot that already feels like home. For Kefalas, Yala is not just a business, but a neighbor to the residents of Georgetown–a place to build belonging and community and serve delicious treats at the same time.
With Tommy McFly. Photo credit: Janet Donovan
I had the pleasure of chatting with Chrys on a warm Monday afternoon–your typical summer day in DC–while enjoying some of Yala’s hits offered by Chrys’s husband Tommy McFly, who you might recognize from NBC4 fame.
Papou’s Promise, classic vanilla, was lightly sweet and totally refreshing, perfect to beat the heat. Next was American Dream, Yala’s signature choco-Yala with chocolate cookie crunch, chocolate chips, and a white chocolate ribbon: better (and healthier) than any chocolate ice cream I’ve tried. And, Yia Mas, Greek yogurt ice cream with tart cherries, was my final and favorite sample; the fresh cherries balancing beautifully with that subtle vanilla cream.
Chrys credits his Papou, George Minadakis, for inspiring and informing the heart of Yala, “[He] took the greatest pride in making things the best and extending his heart to everyone. And that’s the core of what Yala Greek ice cream is about, the best ice cream, but also extending our heart and our hospitality to everyone to create a space of joy and belonging.” That much is evident in Yala’s inviting blue and white decor–a nod to Greece, and their friendly staff, always cheerful and accommodating. That sense of community-building is already strong in their second week of opening as neighbors filled the parlor and lounged on their ample outdoor seating. Top quality ingredients, authenticity, and passion drive Yala.
So far, the best response to the ice cream for Kefalas have been the kids’ reactions. “Seeing kids love the ice cream, always finish every spoonful, keep the ice cream, ask for more. That has been probably the best reaction to the first authentic Greek ice cream shop in the US that I could have possibly imagined. And kids don’t lie.” They do not–and kids’ approval will certainly solidify Yala as Georgetown’s go-to neighborhood ice cream shop. For the adult patrons there that day, that same childlike reaction–finishing every spoonful, yearning for more–was crystal clear, a bit of time travel to summers long spent peering into ice cream freezers.”
Chrys Kefalas – third from left
It’s early days, but I asked Chrys what Yala’s future looked like, and his heart is absolutely in Georgetown, committed to being Georgetown’s favorite ice cream shop. He maintains, “Our first store is in Georgetown, and this is where our future not only is today, but where we’ll be tomorrow”–creating community and serving refreshing treats to the people of DC long into the future. Ice cream, for Chrys Kefalas, means joy, family, and love and being able to share that with his community has been sweet. You can visit Yala Greek Ice Cream at 3143 N Street NW.
