Apricot-Flavored Vice

Smoking is a common habit in Italy. Everyone smokes: men, women, grannies and honestly— I wouldn’t be surprised if I saw a 6-year-old smoking here. It’s a sad truth that many people are addicted to lighting up these little rolls of tobacco in slips of paper. 

Vaping, unlike smoking, can be done indoors and outdoors. It’s constant and can also be seen everywhere. Puffs of “blue raspberry” or “pink unicorn dust” here and there, throughout the streets of Arezzo and the rest of the world. 

People heavily drinking alcohol into the early hours of the morning is another unfortunate addiction dictating one’s days and nights, their thoughts and expressions. 

Grabbing a mid-afternoon gelato, however, is my preferred poison. There are others who suffer from this addiction as well, and I’m here to share the story of where my addiction began. 

The Italian Gelateria Guide gave Stefano Cecconi “two cones,” a glamorous honor awarded to the best gelaterias in Italy. Owner Stefan’s Cecconi is proud of his two cones and rightfully so.

Cremeria Cecconi sits patiently on the busy streets near the Piazza of Arezzo. As you approach the shop, all kinds of people walk out with their chosen vices. Chic ladies, adorned with their best clothes and jewels are quickly licking up their scoops on the way to work. Babies in strollers make googly eyes at the mountains of sugar and cream, like it's made with their own mama’s milk. 

A flavor that truly soothes the soul can be found in Cremeria Cecconi, freshly made by the owner. You can tell how much he loves his craft with every lick you take of the homemade apricot. Although it’s simple and basic, the vanilla gelato naturally complimented the fruity flavor. It was a match made in heaven. 

As the freshly-made apricot gelato started dripping down onto my hands just moments into walking outside of the shop, I knew I was hooked. This gelato is so good I think Italians would put out their precious cigarettes for just a taste.