If I were to ask you, “Have you ever had water ice?”- I could probably guess your reaction (unless, of course, you have had it).
There is the cocking of the head, the scrunched eyebrows, crinkled forehead, and “huh?” uttered from your mouth.
To back up, the proper name is Italian ice. You have most likely tried ice cream and gelato. This treat is definitely frozen, but in a different class.
It is a mixture of smooth, fine ice and fresh fruit. It is almost like a “slushie,” but thicker (you eat it with a spoon) and more natural.
And don’t you dare try to say, “Oh! It’s just shaved ice!” or “Oh! Like a snow cone!” That is an insult to this urban indulgence that recently popped up in a few spots right here in the Valley with Rita's Italian Ice.
Rita’s is a franchise company that is mostly based on the East Coast, with roots in Philadelphia. In fact, Arizona is the farthest state out West to see a few.
Rita's signature items include Italian ice, cream ice, frozen custard, Gelatis, Blendinis, Slenderitas, and Misto shakes. Cream ice contains dairy and is a smoother, velvety version of Italian ice, which better helps explain why Italian ice is referred to as “water ice.”
The Gelati is a tasty twist because it is a layering of frozen custard and Italian ice. Either vanilla or chocolate custard fills the bottom, Italian ice fills the next layer, and then it’s topped with another swirl of rich ice-cold custard. One of the awesome features of authentic water ice is the fresh fruit. You are getting something just made with flavors that change daily.
Rita’s has a policy that any water ice and cream ice not consumed after 36 hours of its creation must be thrown away. Rarely will you see the same palate of water ice available during your visits.
Some of their water ice flavors include: mango, cherry, watermelon, Alex’s Lemonade, Bubblicious, chocolate, root beer, vanilla, Island Fusion, and Swedish Fish (a personal favorite).
Cream ice comes in a smaller variety but still packed with icy goodness. Some varieties include Mint Oreo, Pumpkin Pie, Cookies ‘n’ Cream and S’mores.
The most common side effect of enjoying a cup of water ice? The "brain freeze" or "throat freeze." It’s best to offset this with a warm Super Pretzel, and most Rita's carry hot soft pretzels to accompany their frozen treats
And it gets even better. Water ice contains no trans fat and the amounts of sugar and carbohydrates are comparable to that found in gelato.
So where can you get these frozen delights in the Valley? Rita’s has two current locations. One is located in Glendale and the other, which just opened, is located in Phoenix just past Indian School Road and 44th Street. Rita’s website also indicates that a location is set to open in Surprise.
There are other companies that create Italian ice in the Valley but are not stand-alone spots that you can just walk right up to and order a cup of water ice, like Rita’s.
And the water ice fever is spreading. When I stopped into the new Rita's in Phoenix, I started talking to Keith Klapach, who is part owner with his parents, Paul and Kathleen, and sister, Aimee. Klapach mentioned Rita's is scoping out a spot on Mill Avenue but couldn’t give an exact location at this time.
It could be the next best snack for late-nighters in Tempe or the refreshing treat people will crave in the middle of summer’s killer heat.
Another benefit to having a water ice spot out here is that it can stay open year-round.
Rita's locations on the East Coast are typically open for the warm weather—spring, summer, and early fall.
Out here, though, we live in a desert and sometimes we just can’t get enough of frozen stuff. Perfect solution? More Rita’s!
If you go: 4730 E. Indian School Rd., Suite 113, Phoenix (Arcadia Towne Center) 602-441-3138
8251 W. Union Hills Dr., Suite 105, Glendale, Arrowhead Union Hills South Shopping Center) 602-909-8566
Contact reporter at mfidura@asu.edu
