As a native Memphian, I knew surprisingly little about Italian Fest before I headed over to Marquette Park last night. Although the gravy contest (which you have to enter in order to be a part of the festival) happens today, I found a lot of cooking and mixology going on for other contests.
Before I hit the row of tents, I stopped by Mama D’s Italian Ice trailer. Owner Dee Moore has become a familiar face at festivals and farmers markets around town, but this is the festival truly geared toward her authentic New York and New Jersey summer treat. It’s an Italian favorite— not too sweet, not too icy, in traditional flavors like lemon and chocolate and more exotic flavors like mango and margarita.
