Gelati in Bella Italia

One of the many compelling reasons to visit Italy is the ice cream.  Simply the best in the world.  The Italians' passion for which knows no bounds and evening queues forming outside the newest gelaterias in the Tuscan beach resort I've just returned from rivalled those of the hottest night clubs.  My holiday read whilst I was away was very apt - "The Empress of Ice Cream" by Anthony Capella.  I really enjoy his books and have read all four.  This latest novel, set in the 1670's, spans the court of the Medicis in Florence where Carlo Demirico learns the secret art of making delectable ice creams from his Persian master, to Paris and the court of Louis XIV, then to London during the reign of King Charles II.  An evocative insight to life in the 17th Century and an ideal book for devouring on the beach.  Thankfully I combined my appetite for the plot with the indulgence of a daily treat of freshly made gelati, the only dilemma being which flavours to choose.  After much deliberation and comparisons between hazelnut-studded Baci; seriously dark chocolate; cherry-packed Amarena; creamy vanilla with crushed biscuit folded through; to chocolate-chip Stracciatella, my favourite combination was a scoop of pure pistachio partnered with intense lampone (raspberry).  Heaven in a cone for only 2.70 Euros. Delizioso!