“Ice made fresh daily,” what do you mean by that?

As I entered the newly opened Rita’s Ice Custard Happiness outside V-Mall in Greenhills, that used to be Haagen Dazs followed by Milky Way, I took notice of the statement “Ice made fresh daily” posted by the ice cream storage. My curiosity started to intrigue me from where I was standing. I had no choice but to bring out the ice cream monster in me, to taste and to see.

Every business has its own small beginnings. For Rita’s, its humble beginning started all the way back in 1984, from a small porch window. A Philadelphia firefighter named Bob Tumolo developed sensational Italian ice flavors that he made fresh each day. Together with his mom, Bob perfected the flavors and consistency of their ice product by testing out various flavors. Bob’s persistence paid off. Bob’s, I mean Rita’s Italian Ice became a flavor sensation to Philadelphians, who are arguably the most devoted and discriminating consumers of water ice in the United States. Want to take a guess who Rita is? Nope, not the mom of Bob. Rita is the wife of Bob. Currently, Rita’s is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world with over 600 stores in the US.

Did I bore you with that history class of Rita’s? I hope not. :p

The Flavors:

Now let’s get on to the real thing. The part I’ve been waiting for, the taste testing!

Italian ice is not on the same ground as the smooth ice cream or gelato we all imagine. It can be comparable to a smooth ice frozen treat but it still has its distinct identity.

If you ask Rita’s what makes them different from shaved ice, this is how they will put into words. Other than you tasting the real thing of course. “Unlike shaved ice, Italian ice is made by the same process as ice cream:  freezing the ingredients while mixing them together, giving our product its unique flavor and smooth consistency. All Ice is served within 36 hours of mixing. Featuring delicious real fruit flavors, choose from over 65 mouth-watering varieties.”

They say you get the best of both worlds when you get a cup of Gelati. As my first cup from Rita’s, I had to make sure it’s the best. It’s a combination of Rita’s famous Italian ice and old-fashioned frozen custard.  Tested the waters with the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ice topped with Chocolate custard. After trying my luck on this mixture, I now get what they mean when you talk of Italian Ice. Very smooth that melts easily with flavors that are so rich. In one word, I’ll describe it as “Refreshing!”

O combined Mint Chocolate Chip ice and Chocolate custard in a Blendini. Are you familiar with Dairy Queen’s blizzard? It has the same concept of blending various types of flavor together, including toppings.

Imagine holding a stick of puffy cotton candy bigger than your face. I was holding a cup with cold Cotton Candy Ice with the exact same taste of how sweet and pleasant a cotton candy is. Apart from chocolate, this flavor gets the kids’ choice award.

If you desire to cool down without taking a scoop, milkshakes and lemonades are on the menu board of Rita’s.

Pure vanilla custard with colorful sprinkes to add more happiness. The simplicity of this vanilla custard cone will level up your typical sundae cone on a humid afternoon.

The Americano Custard Oreo Cookie Sandwich got hold of me from the very moment it was displayed. Between the Asian and American type of Oreo, Rita prefers to use the American version due to its sweetness. I learned that Asian Oreo exhibits more bitterness.

I wanted to rest my body on a soft lazy boy after the gigantic piece of Oreo Ice Bar but this Vanilla Custard with Chocnut halted and turned me around.

If you are familiar with Haagen Dazs’ all glass booth in V-Mall, Rita’s acquired the same spot and same size. The ice cream parlor gives you enough room to sit and chat with your companions while cooling yourself with fresh Rita’s Ice Custard Happiness.

Don’t mind the wooden boards surrounding the perimeter of Rita’s. I visited even before the soft opening so the entire place was not on its complete construction stage yet.

Rita’s opened its doors to the public last November 8, 2014. On its soft opening stage yet, which gives them a pass for their early stage errors.

What do you think of Rita’s Ice Custard Happiness? Will you take time to visit this new ice cream parlor?

Share with me your thoughts foodie! 🙂

Cheers,

Location: GF V-Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines

Food	9/10
Ambiance	8/10
Service	8/10
Cost	8/10
Overall	8.25/10