Artisen is delightful, though odds are it's not the gelato shop you think it is.
They serve Ecuadorian gelato, which is more like a sorbet. I was initially disappointed, as I was hoping for Italian gelato, made from milk and eggs. Artisen makes dairy-free fruit-based frozen treats with excellent flavor and texture.
We were greeted immediately and the young woman behind the counter eloquently recited the getting-to-know-us script about Artisen's homemade and handmade offerings. We were invited to try as many samples as we liked. Everything I tasted was great; I ended up selecting a medium cup with coconut and lulo gelato.
Prices are comparable to Va Da Vie on Park Road, which may be a bit high for the Matthews area, though not unreasonable.
The space is a bit awkward, with tables pushed against the wall and in the corners with vast open space in the middle of the shop. The walls are adorned with decals describing their ingredients. A repeating beeping sound -- an alarm? -- was going off the whole time we were there. A sensor on the entrance calls out "front door open" whenever someone walks in. I could certainly do without that.
I hope Artisen finds success in this location. What they lack in clarity and soul, they make up for with their product.