Not sure if you've heard, but there's a heat wave in Chicago!
As the heat index soars above 100 degrees, it was time to get out and find some great Italian ice. I asked my Facebook friends and Twitter followers for their favorite spots.
They included Mario's (a given), Carm's (another given), Miko's - all very familiar names. But Zerlingo's Italian Ice in Chicago Heights was suggested more than a few times. Seeing that I hardly ever get down to the south suburbs, it was time to check it out.
Am I glad I did.
What we found was an incredibly welcoming family creating frozen treats in their 28 year-old walk-up Italian ice stand. They send their creations all over the midwest, even selling gelato at U.S. Cellular Field during White Sox games.
Tom Zarlengo showed us around, and his children were there to show how their product is made. The key is using real fruit, not artificial flavoring, to bring their dozens of ice flavors to life in your mouth. They let me try a dipped ice cream cone as well, smothered in Blommer's chocolate. Delicious.
I can't recommend this spot enough. If you're in the area, and it's warm outside, they're probably open. My WGN-TV feature will be posted here as soon as the story airs. For now, here's more information about Zerlingo's.
Be sure to check them out on Chicago's Best TV on July 31st! They'll tell you more about the Arctic Cooler - think ice cream and Italian ice smashed today in one big cup. Unreal.
Zarlengo's Italian Ice
257 W. Joe Orr Road
Chicago Heights
708-754-9080
As the heat index soars above 100 degrees, it was time to get out and find some great Italian ice. I asked my Facebook friends and Twitter followers for their favorite spots.
They included Mario's (a given), Carm's (another given), Miko's - all very familiar names. But Zerlingo's Italian Ice in Chicago Heights was suggested more than a few times. Seeing that I hardly ever get down to the south suburbs, it was time to check it out.
Am I glad I did.
What we found was an incredibly welcoming family creating frozen treats in their 28 year-old walk-up Italian ice stand. They send their creations all over the midwest, even selling gelato at U.S. Cellular Field during White Sox games.
Tom Zarlengo showed us around, and his children were there to show how their product is made. The key is using real fruit, not artificial flavoring, to bring their dozens of ice flavors to life in your mouth. They let me try a dipped ice cream cone as well, smothered in Blommer's chocolate. Delicious.
I can't recommend this spot enough. If you're in the area, and it's warm outside, they're probably open. My WGN-TV feature will be posted here as soon as the story airs. For now, here's more information about Zerlingo's.
Be sure to check them out on Chicago's Best TV on July 31st! They'll tell you more about the Arctic Cooler - think ice cream and Italian ice smashed today in one big cup. Unreal.
Zarlengo's Italian Ice
257 W. Joe Orr Road
Chicago Heights
708-754-9080
