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For the second year in a row, readers picked Italiano’s Water Ice, 2551 S. 12th St., for well, having the best water ice in South Philly.
“It’s still surprising,” owner Nanci Italiano said. “It’s just amazing that people vote us for No. 1 because we are seasonal and closed during [most of] the year. We did it again, I’m really proud,”
The way to keep the Lower Moyamensing business, which is typically open about May to September depending on the weather, successful has been to stick to traditions that date back to 1976, she said.
“Consistency is the key,” Italiano said. “We do the same thing year after year. If it isn’t broken, then don’t fix it.”
Even though she may not remember their names, she always remembers the regulars’ water ice orders. Every year customers return for their favorite flavors, which include more than 20 options, and even some regulars who have moved further away make the trek back for the cool treat.
“My favorite thing is seeing the same faces year after year, generation after generation,” Italiano, who receives help from family members, including her father, Domenick, said. “That’s what makes you live on.”
Pop’s Water Ice was frozen in second, while John’s Water Ice chilled at third.
Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.
2013 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant: Gravy/sauce
Geno’s Steaks: French fries / cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies: Hoagie
Johnny Chang’s: Sushi
Nick’s Old Original Roast Beef: Roast beef sandwich
City Pizza: Pizza toppings
Green Eggs Café: Sunday brunch
Penrose Diner: Waffles
Popi’s Italian Restaurant: Business luncheon/banquet
FrancoLuigi’s Pizzeria: Romantic outing
Ristorante Pesto: Italian restaurant
Cantina Los Cabalitos: Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Noir: New restaurant
Sweet Tooth
Termini Bros.: Cannoli (tie)
Potito’s Bakery: Cannoli (tie) / cupcakes
Italiano’s Water Ice: Water ice
Lerro’s Candy Co.: Candy store
Staying Active
DanceAdelphia: Dance studio
Girard Academic Music Program: Music program
Marconi Plaza: Place to walk your dog
Stickball: Schoolyard/street game
Guerin Recreation Center: Recreation Center
Wake Up Yoga: Place to take a yoga class
Places
East Passyunk Avenue: Neighborhood
Pennsylvania Burial Co.: Funeral home
Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School: School
St. Monica: Church
Ten Pennies: Florist
Chickie’s and Pete’s: Place to enjoy a game
Sports
Frank Natale: High school coach
Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School Saints: High school team
Citizens Bank Park: Pro sports venue
Chase Utley: Current Philly pro athlete
Ed Snider: Philly pro sports owner
And the Rest
Mummers Parade: South Philadelphia tradition
Councilman Mark Squilla: Politician
Social Scene: South Philly Review section
Disc jockey: Category not on this list
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