Solo ice-cream or ice-cream for two?
A couple of months ago, on a sunny Friday evening I was on my way home after a lousy after-work workout, that a friend had talked me into before cancelling on me. I wanted a pick-me-up and when I rode my bike across a lively square, I decided to stop at the popular gelati store. A scoop of straciatella, and a scoop of lemon-basil sorbet later, I sat there happily spooning my ice-cream out of the cup on a bench underneath a tree, savoring every spoonfull.
Unexpectedly a former high-school friend of mine, who now lives in this neighborhood walked by and stopped to chat. His first question was: "Why would you eat ice-cream alone? Isn't that more of an acitivity for two?" I laughed at first. Then I realized he was serious. "Why would I make a craving for ice-cream dependent on someone else? I'd hardly ever eat ice cream if I always made sure I eat it with someone." Sure, it's more fun as a social activity, like many things. But is it that bad to eat ice-cream alone?
I've been pondering that question ever since. Maybe because, for me, eating ice cream alone represents something much bigger than dessert. I'm proud I even enjoy ice-cream and have it on my own, with the simple reason that I feel like one. There were times I deprived myself of that kind of indulgence and would despise myself, when I caved in. So why should ice-cream be only an activity for two? Isn't it more like having coffee alone than having a drink alone?
A few weeks ago, I really wanted to go to this place in Zurich called "Eisvogel". It has been a top-ranked ice-cream place, run by two women in their 70s and they've decided this will be their last summer season. They make 6 different flavors every day, always varying except for a chocolate one. I'm adamant about making it there a couple of times (so far I'm at two), before it closes forever. The place closes at 6:30pm and they sometimes sell out before. I wanted to go after work. I figured I could just go - but then I thought of the concept of ice-cream being a social activity. So I wrote a friend, who was unfortunately out of town and then a colleague, who was working on another site - if he wanted to get ice-cream after work. And not any, but an "Eisvogel". A fellow foodie, he understood the assignment. He made it there at 6:30pm, while I stood in line and made sure we both got our share of ice-cream. The flavors that day were nearly sold out - Pumpkin seed, chocolate and blueberry remained.
Sitting on the swings in the park we chatted over said ice-cream and it's a very fond memory of a spontaneous ice-cream moment that I still carry with me. I don't own a picture of that particular moment - and that's definitely something I usually do on my own: if I indulge on something I have my phone eat first. I take a picture of it. Is this my way of making even a happy solo-ice-cream moment into a social one?
There are many ice-cream moments I cherish. My late grandfather used to insist on getting Dairy Queen, when we'd spend time in Minnesota. He never got any of the "fancy stuff" (nothing compared to the "Eisvogel", but memorable because of the memories I associate with the ice-cream). He always wanted dilly bars and a simple cone - while I'm more of a "cookie-dough blizzard" girl, if I'm going to a DQ. Another memory is getting ice-cream by the Brooklyn bridge in the middle of winter with a friend in NYC. We'd walked around all day and had already eaten, but there's always room for a late night ice-cream. The chocolate chip mint was very dense in texture and I remember laughing a lot especially because my friend has always pointed out how much ice-cream I eat. I wouldn't say so - but when I'm out or travelling it's something I appreciate.
Ice-cream is always a good idea. Solo or not. I believe they both have their perks. But I agree, that ice-cream in good company is a wonderful thing, that makes for happy memories.
Favorite flavors? Hard to say. I like to try new things. Never vanilla.
Cone or cup? Usually cup - it's less messy. Cone if I'm feeling extra.
Gelato or ice-cream? Honestly - variety does it for me. Yes, there is a difference.
xoxo, F
