Sometimes, it really is OK to say “ice, ice baby.”
But it’s all about the context.
With summer temperatures hopefully beginning to trickle down during the next several weeks, there is still time to indulge in what really is a year-round alternative to ice cream or heavier sweet, cold snacks. Icy treats sometimes are just more satisfying when the sun is boring a hole in the sidewalk.
Everyone has their favorite style of ice-related treat, whether it’s the chunky crushed ice of a snow cone; the sliver-thin mounds of “shaved” ice; or the fluffy consistency of a snowball (or snoball, depending on your dedication to proper spelling), all drenched in flavored syrup. Northerners tend to prefer Italian ice, a combination of water, ice, sugar, base and syrup mixed in a machine and then frozen for scooping purposes.
Regardless of your allegiance, Atlanta offers opportunities to taste-test various concoctions of ice and syrup. Here are a few selections to investigate.
Repicci's Italian Ice
1001 Piedmont Ave., Suite 101, Atlanta
Specialties: Italian ice, gelato and gelati, a layered mix of soft-serve ice cream and Italian ice.
Also serves: Italian espresso, cappuccinos and lattes for those who prefer their beverages to coincide with the weather.
Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
Contact: 404-815-9935, www.repiccisrealitalian.com/
Rita’s
More than 10 locations in Atlanta and surrounding areas
Specialties: With more than two dozen flavors available most days, Italian ice is the kingpin at Rita’s. But the chain’s “cream ice,” which blends frozen custard with Italian ice, is a lighter-than-you-think treat, as is their gelati, which layers frozen custard with Italian ice.
Also serves: A Blendini, similar to Dairy Queen’s Blizzard, is a combination of ice or custard with an assortment of mix-ins.
Hours: Vary by location
Contact: www.ritasice.com
Pete’s Polar Parlor & Dog House
2566 Shallowford Road, Atlanta
Specialties: Hawaiian shaved ice in more than a dozen flavors, including Bahama Mama, banana, blackberry, Hawaiian daiquiri, ice cream, lemon lime, mango and, uh, Tiger Blood (think berry and orange flavors).
Also serves: Ice cream sundaes (with about three dozen flavor choices), milkshakes and malts are also popular. But don’t forget the second part of Pete’s existence -- hot dogs, which can even be deep-fried upon request.
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday
Contact: 404-982-0505, http://petespolarparlor.com
Orleagian Snowballs
1161 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta (food truck)
Specialties: Snowball aficionados recognize New Orleans as a hub of snowball activity after the advent of electronic ice chiselers in the 1930s. This version of an icy treat consists of paper-thin ice soaked in syrup and topped with condensed milk. Flavor mixing is encouraged (such as chocolate and coconut to make an “Almond Joy”) and in some cases, already done, such as the wedding cake flavor combo of vanilla and almond.
Also serves: Nothing. These folks are purists.
Hours: 1-8 p.m. daily
Contact: 404-897-4646, www.orleagiansnowballs.com
New Orleans SnoBall Café
340 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 100, Decatur
Specialties: These fluffy SnoBalls come in dozens of flavors, including “café mocha” and “lemoncello,” along with the usual syrup suspects, and they can be served naked (flavor only) or stuffed (a scoop of ice cream or yogurt plopped in the center). Toppings include marshmallow fluff, chocolate, caramel and, sticking with tradition, condensed milk.
Also serves: Ice cream, specialty beverages (café au lait, tea balls) and that New Orleans culinary staple, muffalettas.
Hours: Noon-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, noon-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Contact: 404-788-9141, www.neworleanssnoballcafe.com
Lucky’s Shaved Ice
2323 Shallowford Road, Marietta
Specialties: Simple and pure shaved ice drenched with flavored syrup and drizzled with cream.
Also: Sells fresh produce.
Hours: 3-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 1-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Contact: 770-354-1975,
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