Un delizioso ricordo …

 

“A delicious memory” indeed and it came back to me recently when I saw that Breyer’s is now selling Gelato.  Of course I had to try it and it’s not bad but nothing like the authentic Italian delicacy that I came to love while visiting there.

I had my first taste in Rome.  After throwing the obligatory coins into the famous Trevi Fountain my traveling companion suggested we top off that experience with a gelato.  I agreed and, although we were surrounded by “gelato bars”, we chose to take the short walk to one of Rome’s oldest...the Giolitti, founded in 1890.

 

It was an experience not to be missed. Colorful mounds of gelato were piled high, topped with fresh fruit to indicate their flavors. Even the waffle cones were displayed as art. They came in three colors and flavors (natural, red and brown), and were stacked upside down to form tall and colorful columns. They were an apt backdrop for the frenetic scooping. The simple act of ordering your gelato was a production in itself. Much laughter and a lot of hand gestures were needed to convey your choice and then, in typical Italian style, the final product was presented to you as if it were the finest jewel in the crown.

The choice of flavors was astounding...fig and lychee nut, almond and coconut to name just a few. I finally ordered a double dipper and was thrilled to find that the “hype” for gelato was well earned. It was much creamier than ice cream and the flavors were dense and almost tart.   I loved it and just writing about it here makes my mouth water !