5 weird and wonderful ice-cream experiences around the world

Thanks to the book Eat Pray Love (and subsequent movie), Il Gelato di San Crispino is the first stop for people looking to turn around their life with a tub of zabaione-flavoured ice cream.

Branches at Piazza della Maddalena 3 (Pantheon) and Via della Panetteria 42 (Trevi Fountain). But beware: being serenaded by the dodgy accordion player costs extra.

Like to be spoiled for choice? Then Heladeria Coromoto is the ice-cream parlour for you. With a record-breaking 860 flavours on offer, the menu takes up an entire wall.

Does anyone order a sardines and brandy double scoop? That’s we want to know.

When his career as a classical bassoonist stalled, Doug Quint bought himself an old ice-cream van and tweeted his location to followers on Twitter. His speciality was unusual toppings – wasabi and sea salt, for example – and equally unusual names (Salty Pimp, anyone?)

Five years on, Big Gay Ice Cream has got two stores in New York, a book, and a really catchy theme song written and performed by Jane Weidlin from The Go-Gos.

Decorated in a retina-searing shade of yellow, Harbour Bar specialises in ice cream treats from days of yore – Banana Splits, Traffic Lights, Knickerbocker Glories and Pear Valentinos.

The uniforms the waitresses wear are Old School too – think Dinner Lady circa 1950. But the servings are generous and it’s nice to be reminded that jelly and ice-cream are a match made in heaven.

Tucked away in an old warehouse, The Fabulous Frozen Factory uses cutting-edge techniques for the perfect ice cream flavour and textures. The key is liquid nitrogen – it lets you create your favourite flavours from scratch in under a minute.


Main image: Eating an ice cream (Shutterstock)