Do you consider ice cream a summer treat? Not me. For me, it’s a basic food group. I know some of you feel the same way. Admit it! I have been with at least one of you when we tasted every straciatella gelato in the Cinque Terre, and another one of you when we did the same thing in Lake Garda, and Florence, and Sardinia and then there was the mint chocolate chip tasting in the Hamptons, or finding the best chocolate ice cream in London (Annabel’s/Harry’s Bar), or sharing the caramel ice cream and chocolate decadence at River Cafe. Come on, admit it! Let’s hear your tales of indulgence. Here are some of my favorite ice cream or gelato picks (this may take more than one day!):
- Annabel’s/Harry’s Bar, London: Both venues (same owner) share the same chocolate gelato recipe, rich, dark and decadent, best I’ve ever had;
- River Cafe, London: Toasted almond and caramel, two of the most unique and heavenly flavors on their constantly changing menu;
- Grom, Milan, Florence, NYC: Becoming global so let’s hope it remains great and lives up to the hype;
- Vivoli, Florence: Owned and run by the same family since 1930, near the Piazza Santa Croce, find it!;
- Volta, Buenos Aires: The Italian influence in Argentina is strong and the gelato lives up to its heritage;
- Bobbie’s Dairy Dip, Nashville: Fresh fruit mixed into the shakes, throwback ambience, good old-fashioned fun (with a burger on the side);
- Candy Kitchen, Bridgehampton: The peach ice cream in season!;
- Edy’s Slow Churned Mint Chocolate Chip, the grocery store: a summer standard;
- Baskin Robbins, everywhere: My father used to bring home the 5-gallon cartons that they serve from in the store–he wasn’t a very good influence–their mint chocolate chip is still my favorite;
- Friendly’s, Westbury: Not sure the Fribble is really even ice cream, but I remember sucking on these in high school until my head was about to implode; and
- Carvel, mostly in my memory: This is how it all started, dripping pieces of frozen chocolate all over myself, before I switched to sprinkles.
Slowin' Down with Fast Eddie 
Finally made it to your blog. It was naughty.
Hope you are having a wonderful summer. I am enjoying waking up to sloindown with fast eddie.
Debxo
No guesses ?
The funny thing about ice cream is it really is so personal. Reading your blog today made me realize that you and I could never share (not that you would want to) our ice cream order because I disagree with almost all your favorite flavors. I don’t like anything mint and hate chips in my ice cream (also not a fan of sprinkles as a topping). To me the chips are too hard to eat and distract me from the luscious flavor I am eating. My fav is anything peanut butter. And now that my kid is no longer allergic to peanuts OR eggs we can go anywhere in the world for the best ice cream! YUM YUM YUM!!! Gary on the other hand orders plain chocolate no matter where we are in the world and never waivers from his staple flavor. Says a lot about him don’t ya think?
It says that Gary appreciates the classics and is loyal, both admirable qualities in a husband.
I have a new gelato place for you next time you’re in NYC. I’d love to introduce you to it. The gelato is delicious and the best part is you don’t have to decide what your favorite flavor is because you can have up to 22 flavors in a small serving. The only problem is remembering which flavors you had.
Is it a secret? Or will you share the name?