Summer is a time for ice cream. But where can you go for the best experience? Emma Julia, who blogs at Adventures of A London Kiwi, asked around…..
A waffled cone clutched in one hand just s’creams of Summer; the icy delight of fruity flavours melting over your tastebuds, the crisp shiver of a naughty delight mid-winter or a careful quenelle served in a gorgeous restaurant plate with a delicate patisserie delight. This year with a fair few temperature records in London, it has never more been tempting to race into the street as the sound of Greensleeves floats through the air, in advance of the Ice Cream van making their daily patrols. (Let’s not speak of a family friend who told his kids that the Ice Cream van only plays whilst empty…) Any time, any excuse, any season, open that freezer door and I might just be there pulling puppy dog eyes.
Whilst travelling the world on expeditions this summer, there are at least 7 places you need to tick off a creamy frozen treat.
Well, on a beach, riverbank, by the local Lido, in a borrowed row boat – you get the idea.Or how about jetting off to Iceland like Sam at Globetrotter Postcards who found the chance to swim in the natural hot springs of the famous Blue Lagoon, and simultaneously sample Ice Cream from the swim-up in-pool bar utterly irresistable?
Depending on your planned summer adventures, this could be on safari in the luxury wilderness of South Africa like Angie at SilverSpoon London, or a cheeky bite of hectic work day escapism in the London concrete jungle. Just escape to the nearest green oasis, ice lolly in hand, for a moment or two of rest and relaxation. No-one ever has to know but you and the recycled wrapper…
Not all of us are lucky enough to have lived at their “own” beach, but Hannah who writes at That Adventurer used to live on the Norfolk coast within arms reach of ice cream so good, she often found herself wanting ice cream in the midst of a great British downpour.
If you’re very, very lucky, you may even get to Bologna’s free museum of creamy, icy delights called the Carpigiani Gelato University where Suzanne from The Travel Bunny found herself learning how to make frozen heaven – where it’s often possible to try chocolate bacon gelato. Chocolate. Bacon. Gelato.
Perhaps cruising through Cuba in a Chrysler Desoto like Catherine Lux at Lux Life. It would have to involve strolling over to the square opposite the Parque Central hotel where the colourful old cars all line up, when suddenly a beautiful blue and white convertible purrs around the corner, complete with 1950s tail fins. Old fashioned glamour in spades.
Realising that in the British summer that Ice cream is no longer a dessert, like Kasha at Lines of Escape (a long-term South African expat) discovered; that ice cream in an essential food group, definitely one of your five-a-days. Whether it’s trying a brand new flavour or savouring an old favourite in the summer heat of Green Park.
Perhaps discovering Affogato, aka coffee heaven in a glass – a scoop of ice cream, a shot of Frangelico and a serving of espresso. For the super adventurous, how about over to a Barcelona tapas restaurant – Taylor at Taylor Hearts travel discovered an edgy, inviting and ever changing Spanish menu with unusual ice creams frequenting the mains; salmon and old dijon mustard ice cream, and slow-cooked chicken, green curry sauce and ginger ice cream.
Discussion3 Comments
Thanks for the inclusion! Will happily try the others out (purely for research of course)!
Some great recommendations from some of my favourite bloggers. The Gelato University sounds like my kind of higher education 😉
Suze | LuxuryColumnist
Oh great article – and now I want ALL the ice creams!
Though you did miss two of my personal faves – Giolittis in Rome on the via del vicario (if it was good enough for Audrey & Gregory…) and, a bit closer to home, Brymor Parlour near Jervaulx Abbey in Yorkshire. Both absolute must-visits.