2. Italian Ice

You might be wondering, “Hey, this list is great, but where is ice cream, Mr. Internet Writer?” I’ll tell you right now, in hopes to avoid any further editorial disappointment: ice cream isn’t coming. Instead, I’m putting ice cream’s lighter, more refreshing, non-dairy based cousin at the #2 position. Why? For starters, I think Italian ice is certainly more of a seasonal dish. Ice cream—though cold—is a dessert that can and is generally enjoyed all year long. Summer is really the only season where people actually eat Italian ice with regularity. Also, while truly great ice cream may best truly great Italian ice in terms of quality, moderate-tokind-of-shitty Italian ice is always better than its ice cream analogue. Most importantly: Italian ice is simply the more refreshing option for a hot summer day. You might like ice cream more, personally, but Italian ice is the superior summer dessert.