I've been living in Arizona for a little over four years now, and one of the things I miss most from the East coast is Italian water ice. Having lived not far from South Philly, with its large Italian population, you couldn't go far in summertime without bumping into the stuff.

In Arizona, however, Italian water ice is almost nonexistent. It seems as though ice cream and more recently, gelato, are the most popular icy treats. All that has changed, though, with the opening of Teri's Italian Ice in Ahwatukee (Elliot and 48th). Although I haven't had a chance to visit yet, word on the street is that they are open, and serving 8 flavors a day from a rotation of about 40. On the East coast, water ice was strictly a summer treat. It looks like in Arizona, it's going to be a year round thing.

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Paula's Gravatar Have you ever tried Limoncello? This is a great Italian ice cold drink. It's also alcoholic so not for the kiddies but it is worth trying.
# Posted By Paula | 1/17/07 11:31 PM
Rob Brooks-Bilson's Gravatar Hi Paula,

Funny you should mention limoncello. I actually make my own. I just finished up two new batches from the lemons I grow myself. Here's a link to a previous post I made on making your own limoncello:

http://www.brooks-bilson.com/blogs/food_bar/index....
# Posted By Rob Brooks-Bilson | 1/18/07 9:32 AM
Paula's Gravatar My brother makes up a batch every now and then as well. He goes out and buys organic lemons that are unwaxed. You wouldn't have that problem seeing as you have your own lemon tree. I keep a bottle in the freezer and it is perfect for summer when it is ice cold.
# Posted By Paula | 1/23/07 5:08 AM
Lois Henkin's Gravatar From South Philly to Northeast Philly,
I have lived in Arizona for 11 years. I used to live in Northeast Philly. There used to be a water ice place in North Phoenix on Greenway Ave. I used to get my water ice there. After a few years, it closed up. I don't know why, but it doesn't seem to go over big, out here.
Just like you, I really miss my water ice. I just went back to Philly for a visit and really loaded up on my water ice treat. I enjoyed my water ice everyday there. Tell me if you find some good Philly soft pretzels out here. I miss them, too.
# Posted By Lois Henkin | 7/1/10 12:26 PM



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