When the hot weather sets in, you'll see all those transplants from the northern regions pining away for their summer cooler —- a chilly cup of Italian water ice.

If the concept is foreign, drop by Rita's Water Ice on Marietta's west side today and see what it's all about with a free regular-sized treat. Owners Leroy and Kimberly Breitsprecher are handing out freebies today only to introduce locals to the product that's made with real fruit. Pick from more than 30 flavors, including lemon, mango, green apple, kiwi strawberry and cherry —- the one sure to leave you with shockingly red tongue and lips. Medium and large cups sell for $1.99 and $2.49.

Rita's also serves Italian cream ices (akin to ice cream but not as heavy) in flavors such as cappuccino cream, mint chocolate chip, fudge brownie, banana split and more. Sugar-free flavors are available. There's also a selection of frozen custards, a "blendini" (cookie pieces, frozen custard and Italian ice) and shakes made from liquid custard and Italian ice.

The Breitsprechers hope to expand Rita's, a brand based in the Philadelphia area, to at least two more locations in Cobb. This one is part of the Burnt Hickory Village shopping center at 800 Whitlock Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; 678-402-6240.

> The food deals continue to pour in. Fans of the Bugaboo Creek Steak House at 840 Barrett Pkwy. in Kennesaw can save money while filling up during the middle part of the week. Through Aug. 28, kids younger than 10 eat free on Tuesdays after 4 p.m. with the purchase of an adult entree. On Wednesdays, everyone can dig into platters of $12.99 baby back ribs. Each portion comes with baked beans and fries. The selection of deals is bigger on Thursdays, when five entrees are priced below $10. Opt for crab-topped trout, grilled chicken with blackened shrimp, sirloin tips, barbecue meatloaf or a half-rack of the baby backs. For details, call 770-919-2200; www.bugaboocreek.com.

> If you've longed to master the art of decorating a lavish cake, this is your summer to learn. The experts at Kennesaw State University are conducting a nine-hour session on cake decorating that covers the basics of tools, shaping, piping, icing and more. The session is spread over three classes on Tuesday, July 24 and July 29, and runs from 6:30 to 9:30 each night. The class wraps with each student taking home a fondant-covered cake. Registration is $149; 770-423-6765; www.kennesaw.edu/coned.

Now Serving the Northwest: Send questions or comments about area restaurants to hm_cauley@yahoo.com or call 404-514-6162.