Gelato

Several years ago I had the opportunity of going to Europe. I was able to go to many different countries, see some historic sites, and eat some authetic food. One of my favorite foods was at this place in Florence, Italy. I know the outside doesn't look to impressive. You would never guess that this is what was inside. Freezers full of the best tasting gelato ever. Flavors ranging from authetic rice to pineapple, lemon, chocolate, raspberry and many many more. I think we were in Florence for three nights and we made sure that we went to Vivoli's every night. This was too good of stuff to not indulge in every night. This is how you got the Italian gelato from the world famous Vivoli's.

In a paper cup with a tiny spoon. You could get up to three flavors in a cup. My favorite was to get chocolate and a fruit flavor. I would then run my spoon down the middle and get a little bit of both. The perfect mixture. Here is a picture of me even enjoying the gelato on the not so clean street in front of Vivoli's.
The reason for this trip down memory lane? A new gelato shop named Bellisimo has opened near our home and I am absolutely hooked. Although it is no authetic Vivoli's, it is awfully close. The gelato is just as flavorful as I remember and there is a wide range of flavors. They don't have rice but said they have had many requests for it.

The shop is owned by a couple who were introduced to gelato and decided that they needed to open up a shop. I am so glad they did this. They make all their own gelato and all the fruit flavors are water based which is much better for my lactose intolerant husband who is addicted to ice cream. I have always liked ice cream but can never eat it in very big quantities. I love gelato and could eat it in very large quantities! It is like eating fresh fruit. So for all of you out there that want a fun thing to do this summer go check out this new gelato shop and we hope we see you there.