Thinking ice cream ……….. and throwing in more than a bit of history

Now yesterday I reflected on the Italian tradition of taking cakes and pastries when visiting family and friends.

And today, prompted by a programme on the wireless celebrating The Ice Cream Van, I am thinking of that other great Italian activity of going for an ice cream.*

Not for our family, the block of “Neapolitan” bought from the newsagents or the multi flavoured tubs which are on offer in supermarkets, but the real thing.

For which a visit to the local shop is more than just buying an ice cream, but becomes a trip out, which then turns into a debate on which to have, and whether to go for two flavours, or trust that someone in the family will share a bit of theirs, in return for some of yours.

We did that trip several times last week, either to the one at the top of the road or as a special excursion into the town centre.

But the real pleasure comes when you are on holiday and take that promenade along the seafront, which always ends in an ice cream.

So for all those who have enjoyed such a treat, there is today’s piece, The Ice Cream Van: A Celebration, from The Food Programme in which “Dan Saladino and his dad Bobo (a former ice-cream man) talk Mr. Whippy, 99s and Screwballs. Together Dan and Bobo (who also used to work in restaurants) have explored the wonders of pizza, and looked at the rise of 'Spag Bol,' Now they turn their attention to the history, science, and magic of ice-cream on wheels.

Featuring John Dickie (author of Delizia and The Craft) and Polly Russell (British Library) on the history of ice cream.

Graphic novelist Matthew Dooley (who drew the image for this edition) talks about his book Flake, a drama set in the world of ice-cream vans.

Produced and presented by Dan Saladino”.

It is a delightful celebration of all things ice cream, with lots of social history thrown in.

Location; the Wireless

Pictures; Italian ice cream from Sapori di Sicilia, Varese, 2020, from the collection of Andrew Simpson

*The Ice Cream Van: A Celebration, The Food Programme, Radio 4 https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000mj2x