STAMFORD – Melanie DelVecchio picked just the right time to introduce an Italian treat to the village of Stamford that will please summer visitors and locals alike - Italian Ice. It was the perfect treat during last week's heat wave.
On the eve of the Fourth of July, celebrating 250 years of independence in America, she opened her newest business. She said she is celebrating the freedom she believes many Americans take for granted.
She is a first generation Italian in America and she has one child born in the United States and one born in Italy.
She picked Italian ice because it is something different.
Italians are the original creators of Italian Ice, she said. It started out as Granita, a very slushy product that originated in Sicily. They took the snow from Mount Etna and kept it in their cellars. Over the centuries, she said, they added fruit flavors and it became something to eat, rather than something to drink. It is now a smooth, cool treat.
On July 3, she collaborated with The Deli House to provide free samples to those passing by on the street and it got good reviews. "We will scoop until we run out," she said. On Saturday, they added free face painting to the mix from 1-3 p.m. by Barbara Bob Face Painting. Specialty by Stephanie made her sticker, t-shirts and logo. "I am supporting other woman-owned businesses.
She plans to be open on Main Street in front of 110 Main St.
Her 10-year-old daughter, Gemma, will be helping with the scoops. They plan on being open each weekend and the ices will sell for three, four or five dollars with a $13 family deal. "It will be a place to cool off and stop and chat for a few minutes,"said DelVecchio. There are 18 different flavors and they hope to offer eight to 10 different flavors on a regular basis.
Lemon is the most common and favorite flavor, but there are also flavors like cotton candy and mango. They will feature six to eight flavors on a regular basis.
She said this is her third business and she said being a female having a female child, she is happy to return from Italy to New York State. "It was truly more difficult in Italy," she said, "Where I was literally escorted out of buildings. Being a widow and surviving cancer, celebrating the nation's anniversary is important. I am able to pass on to my daughter and son and no matter what life throws at you, you can get through it. Everyone should appreciate the freedom we have here, because people in other countries do not always have the same freedom."
When she purchased the building at 110 Main, she said there was a majority of females who owned or operated businesses in the village. "New York has always been my home. The history of women's suffrage is huge and I'm all about girl power and independence."
The Ice Queen
A cart selling Italian ice is now open for the season at 110 Main St. in the village of Stamford. Owner Melanie DelVecchio said they will keep eight to 10 flavors on a regular basis.
