08.28.07
The Dirty
I was introduced to a part of Italian culture last night that I didn’t even know existed. Tucked away underneath a bridge is a little pastry shop called “Lo Zozzo.” The Italian/English dictionary tells me that zozzo, a derivative of sozzo, means “dirty or filthy.” Clearly the perfect name for a place to purchase delicious pastries.
The unique thing about this place is that it opens at midnight. It’s the only pastry shop that I know of that is open at night here, and quite frankly, it is a gift from God. Sometimes you just need a pastry at 2 AM.
My Joplin readers will remember Dude’s Donuts. This little donut shop is known for its chocolate long johns, donut holes, and bible verses handwritten on poster boards on the wall. It’s a very quirky place, but has quite the following in the area. And when I stepped into Lo Zozzo for the first time last night, I felt like I was stepping into Dude’s Donuts. There were tons of people there, all crowded around the counter to order a still-warm pastry. The place wasn’t spic and span, but it wasn’t as dirty as its name would make you think it would be. And when we were in line, the original zozzo, the owner who’s picture was on the wall, came in and greeted the customers, who in turn greeted him like he was the pope of fresh pastries. It was really an amazing experience to watch.
Our church is working very hard to create a community, a place where people feel welcome and loved. Maybe all we need to do is open up an all-night pastry shop?
Josh_Furnal said,
08.28.07 at 11:29 pm
aw yes, many a night spent at the zozzo… ok, maybe not “many.” but you should check out the youtube video that some ancona guys made about it. is the pastry pope’s underwear still hanging from the picture? quality you can taste!
Jason Casey said,
08.29.07 at 12:16 pm
You’re making me hungry just reading it!
Brian Rotert said,
08.30.07 at 5:50 am
I wish I would have had a camera to take a picture of the pastry pope’s shrine. A fake window, with a huge picture of the shirtless owner, a fake clothesline in front, with all-too-real boxer shorts hanging on the line. I would love to know the story behind that one.
marcus said,
09.07.07 at 7:09 pm
Bri…it’s 2AM, i think we should go right NOW! I’m craving a pastry real bad! what do you think?!! P.S. maybe the “zozzo” actually refers to those boxer shorts…did you get a good look at them???