I’ve never been much of a foodie. Food, for me, just doesn’t hold that much appeal. I’m sure many of you are gasping right now, but wait. I actually have an even more shocking confession: I have a very non adventurous palate. An embarrassing truth for a travel blogger, but the truth nonetheless.
I have always been a picky eater. As a child, I would regularly peel the cheese off my pizza so I could wipe off the excess sauce. This finicky taste continued into almost adulthood. I have a very keen memory of the day that my husband (then boyfriend) took me to a very, very nice restaurant. He was planning to propose to me after dinner, but I did not know that at the time. Our appetizers of chilled ostrich were served and he looked at me with a slight hysteria and pleaded that I just try one bite. In my defense, I was but a wee babe when he proposed, but still, you recognize the limits of my palate.
Because of this, it is never a surprise to me when people are talking with delight about food that I have never tried. But, when Mara from The Mother of All Trips and Keryn from Walkingon Travels were raving over water ice from Rita’s, I started to feel like the kid who was picked last in PE. Just what was this water ice and why was it so rave worthy?
A quick google determined that there was a Rita’s near my home and decided I would join the cool kids and check it out. Upon arrival, I asked for the famous water ice and was met with a chuckle. The server indicated that the colorful dishes are known as water ice in Delaware and Pennsylvania, but here they are called Italian Ice. Either way, we were ready to try some samples.
While we were sampling, the owner filled us in on the particulars of Italian Ice. Made just like ice cream, but without the dairy, each bite is smooth and fruit infused. We sampled lime, Swedish fish, mango and pear. All were delicious, but we ultimately chose cotton candy, cherry, lemonade, and green apple.
Folks, I am a believer. The creamy goodness is the perfect treat for a hot summer day. Unlike a snow cone (which I love) the flavor and ice blend together perfectly, so there is no drippy syrup left at the bottom of the cup. Perfecto!
As an added treat, we discovered a series of play fountains in a shady park right next to Rita’s. The boys were delighted to jump into the water and cool off after they had finished their water ice. This will be a regular summer hangout for our family. Ironically, Rita’s is just one block from our family dentist. I foresee a viscous cycle where visiting one will lead to visiting the other.
This post is a part of Wanderfood Wednesday at Wanderlust and Lipstick
As someone who loves the texture of shave ice in Hawaii and New Orleans style snoballs, I do believe that I would fall quickly in love with Rita’s! I will have to add this to my list when make it north! And I am with you…a picky eater for the most part. I take the cheese off of my pizza and give it to my husband because there is usually too much! 😉 And chilled ostrich? That bite probably wouldn’t have happened!
Oh wow, those look delicious!!
Looks yummy! Alas there is no Rita’s this side of the border so that’s one treat I won’t be able to try despite the peer pressure!
I’ve never been to Rita’s, but it does look like a delicious summer treat.
They closed the Rita’s close to our house and we’ve never tried it. We missed a lot! It does look really refreshing.
New follower here,
Gladys
http://sweetvintagelady.com
I’m one of the cool kids!!! I’m so excited, cause really, I was never that cool in high school. Nice to know I finally made it 😉 And for the record, any self respecting South Philly girl would disagree that Rita’s is Italian Ice. They are quite different, which is why those in Philly and Delaware call Rita’s water ice. Italian ice is much harder and needs to scarpe it out of the container with one of those tiny wooden spoon things. Very delicious, but not like Rita’s. You meet me in Philly next summer and we will explore the difference together.
Next you have to try the gelati. I like mine with mango water ice and vanilla custard. So delicious!
I’m with Keryn on the Italian/water ice distinction.
Now that you’ve seen the color of that Swedish Fish water ice, you can imagine what it looked like all over my kitchen! 🙂 Glad you liked it though. They are a real institution here in DE.
Aloha from Hawaii!!! New follower here via the blog hop…. Oh my goodness, those photos are giving me the munchies…. So yummy! Hope you’re having an amazing week!!! 🙂 – http://www.OliviaBlueMusic.com/
Never tried it! My husband has eaten some ice cream dessert or some thing form there before! He liked! Have a great week-end!
You know Rita’s offers free water ice every year on the first day of spring. It s THE place to be and my kids will definitely remind me if I forget!