Rita’s Ice Custard Happiness
Frozen Treat Alert: Gelati
Rita’s Ice Custard Happiness was started way back in 1984 by a firefighter in the Philadelphia area, and the product was marketed as “Water Ice,” a term that Rita’s still uses on their website when citing the historical significance of flavored ice.
Evidently, Water Ice is a regional term for Italian Ice. That’s what I’m assuming. The website didn’t really seem to clear it up. Have you heard of the term “Water Ice?” Where does it come from?
Flavored ice is always good, by any name. I don’t have a gripe, per se, I just would like someone to clear it up for me. Maybe it’s an attempt to set people at ease, and let all customers know that it is in fact water that is being frozen and flavored, and nothing else.
This particular concoction is what Rita’s Ice Custard Happiness calls a “Gelati.”
Layered custard and ice. The photo is a lemon ice and vanilla custard gelati. It’s a large. $4.49.
What’s your favorite version of flavored ice?
- Italian Ice
- Sno-Cone
- Sno-Ball
- Shave-Ice
- Sorbet
- Slushie
- Slurpee
- Ice Kachang
Is there a flavored ice treat from your neck of the woods that’s not on the list?
Rita’s Ice Custard Happiness won’t please anyone seeking authentic Italian Ice. Although home made every day, like the custard, and very fresh, the ice has a mainstream kind of flavor.
It’s trying to please every palate, but it’s tasty and will definitely keep you cool.
My kids sure loved it.
With the summer we’re having right now, anyone trying to keep me cool is worth a shout out.
I also happen to be a stone-cold sucker for frozen treats. They’re my weakness in the summertime.
I’ve written about Thrifty Ice Cream, and Nielsen’s Frozen Custard already, as well as Snow ONO Shave Ice, if you want to read about other frozen treat excursions.
The Nielsen’s post was with my family. We had fun.
Check out Rita’s Ice Custard Happiness if you’re in the area and need a cool down. You’ll be glad you did. lvfrankg
693 N Stephanie St
Henderson, NV 89014
Hello, I live in LasVegas I have been here for over 14 years now. I am originally for Philly. I want to answer you’re question for you in the Regards to the name ” Water Ice” that’s what people from Philadelphia call this Great Cold Treat And Galete also is a name that we call ” Water Ice” & ice cream together. The ice cream lays on the bottom with the Water Ice on top.. I guess when you think about the name “Water Ice” it is a Wierd name but, that’s what us Philadelphiains Call it. When you are from Philly are food is Very Important to us. We Love our food which some of it is known like Cheese Steaks, soft Pretzels, water ice & Gravy. I was so Happy to hear that Rita’s came to town! I always missed my food from Philly! Now it’s all almost here in Vegas! So Now I don’t have to Visit Philly just to go Eat anymore! One thing that Vegas is really missing is the “Diner Food” Philly People are so Seruios about the food that sometimes we want to move back home because of it! I hope that Rita’s will do Great in this town.. I own 2 Cheese Steak Places in town called “Straight From Philly Steakout” they are the Real Deal With Cheese wiz & the whole nine yards. I tried to sell the water ice years ago but people didn’t know what it was, so I had to close that part down And even the TasteyKakes weren’t doing that great.. But, from having the Stores a lot of Philly People would come in & all talk about our Philly Goodies that we missed.. There are a lot of Philly people that live here believe it or not..So now we have our Water Ice, Cheese Steaks, Tasteykakes, I even bought Scrapple the other day at Walmart.. So this Philly Girl is a Very Happy Person Now that Rita’s opened up! Now we just need our Soft Pretzels & Peanut Chews.. So I don’t have to go to Philly & bring 2 Suitcases back filled with just food anymore or have it shipped.. LOL Water Ice is a Tradition & Stable of a Philly Person.. I am Very Excited that Rita’s decided on coming to Vegas! Now we need just a few more places to come out like Tony Lukes, Nicks Roast Beef, inside out pizza’s, Chinese food & our Soft Pretzels… Rita’s is a start When you eat this water ice you gotta eat it with a pretzel rod & Never a Spoon! Wow I am on my way..
With Love
Philly Girl.
Hi Philly Girl,
Your excitement is contagious. I’m thrilled you found a place from your neck of the woods. The passion for transplants to have their hometown food here is somewhat of a phenomenon. I’ve always said the best memories involve food.
Thank you so much for clearing the ice thing up. I figured it was a regional thing, but are “water ice” and “Italian ice” synonymous in Philadelphia? Rita’s calls it “Italian ice,” but I think of Italian ice as something a little more rustic, and not quite as smooth as what Rita’s sells, but that could be a result of a regional thing as well. Incidentally, I didn’t give Rita’s enough props in this review. I’ve been back at least half a dozen times. The stuff is delicious.
Congratulations on the Great Philly Steakout locations. I appreciate you letting us know about them, and I will be sure to give you a visit soon. Cheese steaks are one of my all time favorites. In fact, I had one recently at a major hotel. It will be the next review I post.
TastyKakes are on any list of what people from the Northeast miss most about home. I’ve seen some of my friends go bonkers talking about those things.
Would you mind telling us what you mean by “gravy?” At my Grandmothers dinner table the “gravy” was the tomato sauce, but at my mother’s house gravy was something you make from pan drippings after you roast a chicken or whatever. What kind of gravy are you talking about? Also, what are “peanut chews” and “scrapple?” I’m completely intrigued now and I really would love to know.
Much love and thanks to you for stopping by and sharing with us, Philly Girl.
Readers, if you know where any of these things might be hiding around town please let us know.
Hey, I’m Amy. I want one of your yummy cocktails. Love your fun blog See ya
Thanks Amy. Use the contact form if you’d like me to design a cocktail for you or your next event. Thanks a lot for stopping by. Cheers!