Vecchitto Italian Ice (Middletown, CT) is OPEN: Summertime is here!

[kattyeyes]

As of last weekend, my favorite Italian ice joint in the whole wide world is OPEN yet again. It's been cool here in CT, so I haven't hard my first lemon ice yet, but warmer days are coming and I can't wait!

Here's an old article about Vecchitto's from the NY Times (2002):
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/23/nyr...

If your travels take you down Route 9 South toward the CT shore this summer, look for Vecchitto's shortly after you pass under the Arrigoni Bridge (a.k.a. the Portland Bridge or the Middletown Bridge). It's right near the railroad tracks and should not be missed if you love lemon ice...and I DO!

99 percent of the time I go for lemon, but their almond and chocolate are excellent picks, too. Other flavors include watermelon, cherry, root beer. When I was a kid, Mr. Vecchitto used to drive a lemon ice truck through my neighborhood at night (along with the Good Humor Man and Mister Softee). I wish they still did! But I'm just as happy to go downtown for an ice. See you there, maybe!

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Vecchitto Italian Ice
323 Dekoven Dr, Middletown, CT

[kattyeyes]

One more week to get your ice on! NEXT Saturday, 9/8 will be the last day of this very ice-appropriate summer. I am seriously thinking of getting a larger tub of ice to stash in the freezer so I can get my fix through the warm days we're sure to have after they close.

Remember to get there before it's just a distant memory of summer daze!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQYYnT...

[DonShirer]

I saw a sign on their wall when I walked in, "Chocolate & Almond Gelato". "Wow", I enthused, "that sounds good!". "How about a scoop of each?" the proprietor asked. "You read my mind", I answered. Delish.

Katty challenged me to compare this to other gelatos. Well, the best I've tasted is Talenti Tahitian Vanilla Bean Gelato my DW gets from our local grocery, but Vechetti's is not far behind it. Talelnti also has 18 other flavors, most of which i have not tasted. DW guards her shelf in the freezer too closely!

[kattyeyes]

Thank you! One more you can try locally is Gelato Giuliana. I think that's what they serve at the Emporium on Main Street...though now that I know how to make it at home, I am too spoiled to eat anyone else's. ;P ETA: Wonder if the Vecchittos would be up for a throwdown with yours truly? HA HA!

[kattyeyes]

UPDATE: No more Gelato Giuliana at New England Emporium. Froyoworld, a new frozen yogurt shop, has opened right across the hall. Original tart swirled with strawberry tart is a winning flavor combo. Try the little fruit popping boba on top. It's like crazy fruit caviar. Pop-pop-pop! YUM!

http://middletown-ct.patch.com/articl...

[kattyeyes]

♫ The summer wind...came blowin' in... ♫
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9wNfA...

...and it was time to get a lemon ice at Vecchitto's! It's opening day today and you couldn't ask for better weather! GET YER ICE ON and let the summer fun begin!!!

>>^..^<<
your not-so-fickle friend, Katty

P.S. dennisl: e-mail me and I will meet you for an ice, fercryin'outloud!

[JenJeninCT]

Can always count on you, katty

[dennisl]

YES! This is my year (only took 44!)

[Meesch70]

I am also happy to report the Vecchitto's truck is making the rounds at the shore! Ask me how many watermelon ices I've had in the last two weeks, LOL

[kattyeyes]

:) I'm jealous--that's a nicer location to be eating ice, not to mention I'm VERY nostalgic for the days that truck rolled through my neighborhood. I'll trade you!

[Meesch70]

The sign in the truck looks like the original from the "nostalgia days"! It started up last week around the shoreline, we were visiting and I basically ran to it like a 5 year old, HA HA so happy... Of course, that does not deter us from stopping in Middletown on the way home.

[kattyeyes]

"I hear they've got some of the best Italian ice on the planet!" Got that right, pal. I was so tickled to see Vecchitto's featured on the evenin' news tonight. Check it out:

http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/on-air/...

Puttin' M'town on the map in a most delicious way! WOOHOO!

[dennisl]

Oh, kattyeyes, I must hang my head in shame!

In my defense, I've either gone by in the morning
or I've not had cash (I assume they only take cash?)
Or I've been late for something!

(Hangs head again.)

[kattyeyes]

I just noticed VANILLA ICE on the menu (no, not HIM!). Don't remember this flavor--seems every time I go, I'm noticing something new. :) Has anyone tried it? Or the gelato?

I had never used the tunnel under 9 to get to the riverfront park till last night. Grab your ice and head south on Dekoven...you'll see steps that lead to the tunnel entrance. Just be sure to head back before 8 p.m. when they lock the gate! Great view, cool by the water and benches so you can sit and enjoy!
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/43422602

[kattyeyes]

GET YER ICE ON, M'TOWN!
Vecchitto's opens tomorrow (Saturday, 5/28) at noon! Can't wait! >>^..^<<
P.S. dennisl--this is your year, don'tchathink? :)

[chowmensch]

I wait for Katty's post about Vecchitto's every year! Now it's officially summer in CT!!!

[kattyeyes]

Aww, thanks, that made me smile! ;) I only wish they were open TODAY--this weather screams for ice!

[dennisl]

Absolutely!

[masha bousha]

I grew up and now live in West Hartford. We used to go to Sound View a ton when I was a kid and until I read your post (and the NYTimes link) I had no idea that my favorite lemon ice stand from Sound View beach had a location in Middletown. You just made my summer (and saved me some gas).

p.s. as a kid I loved almond, chocolate and strawberry.
I also have found Mozzicatos to pale in comparison to the memory of the Sound View lemon ice joint.

[kattyeyes]

That is great to hear/read--thanks! And also thanks for validating the Franklin Ave. ice just can't hold a candle to Vecchitto's! Their cannoli, however, are another (delicious, delightful!) story.

[masha bousha]

Just a word on Mozzicatos cannoli, the one from Iulianos in Manchester beats the crap out of Mozzicatos. Best I've ever had.

I do love the cafe at Mozzicatos though and their stuff does in a pinch and is closer to me than Manchester.

[kattyeyes]

Thank you...good to know...and if you're ever either in NoHo or Springfield, Mass., the folks at La Fiorentina make the best cannoli I've ever had...my car must stop in either location when passing through! Dig their chocolate-dipped shells, too!

[divainjeans]

Just tripped over and found La Fiorentina last Saturday. LOVED it. Have been to Mozzicatos and Iulianos as both are close to my place in CT. Can't wait to go back.

[masha bousha]

awesome tip! and I could hit the Donut Dip off 91 on my way there or back (as you know it's always about the food)

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Donut Dip
1305 Riverdale St, West Springfield, MA 01089

[DonShirer]

Was driving past SoundView yesterday noon and stopped off hoping for some dessert, but unfortunately the shoreline branch of Vecchitos didn't seem to be open.

[germay]

Ditto all of the above. My favorite is Watermelon.

[dennisl]

This may be heresy, but I grew up in Middletown and still live close and have NEVER been!
This summer for sure.

[kattyeyes]

Ohmygoodness, that is BEYOND wrong! And if you said you didn't like it, well, I'd have to meet you personally and set you straight. ;) Just kiddin' (but not completely!!!). Seriously, GO. SOON. Weather is perfect for a refreshing lemon ice!

[dennisl]

I will. I drive by all the time, too, so no excuse!

Such a sheltered childhood! :)

[kattyeyes]

Yesterday was opening day. It's officially summer--and perfect weather for this refreshing warm weather treat!

Everyone in town knows what those little white cups mean and I saw some happy faces when they saw mine and realized Vecchitto's is back in biz for the season.

They now sell gelato. I hear they did last year, too. Guess it's all about the ice for me and I hadn't noticed. Enjoy...kids of all ages in 06457 know it doesn't get better than right here at home.

[Scargod]

I heartily endorse Vecchitto's Italian Ice. Kattyeyes shared this special place with me and I got to try her lemon and she my almond.
A plain, no-nonsense place. They have about a dozen flavors. It is amazing that at mid-afternoon he developed a line at the counter just after we were served (and it wasn't because we were lallygagging making a decision).

[kattyeyes]

Clearly, we're trendsetters. Lines at O'Rourke's after we were there for lunch...lines at Vecchitto's after we show up. ;)