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“How sweet it is. We’re not even open and the people picked us,” Nanci Italiano, owner of Italiano’s Water Ice said upon learning of her business’ water ice victory.
When the establishment at 2551 S. 12th St. opens in May, it will be its 37th summer. However, the endeavor’s open and close dates are dependent on the weather and the span between them is only four months.
“Water ice was always supposed to be a summer thing and a novelty,” Nanci said.
Her mother, Nora, started the business, but since she passed 15 years ago, her father, Domenick; brother, Frank; and sister, Donna, have continued her legacy.
“We make it with love,” Nanci said of her main seller. “It’s just like everything else. It’s the right ingredients and enough of the right ingredients.”
Lemon and cherry were the initial flavors. Now Italiano’s scoops more than 20 flavors, including favorites such as iced tea, watermelon, peach and Frank’s ginger ale creation.
Domenick, 81, still contributes to the day-to-day operation of hand-squeezing each lemon. And when he’s not working, he sits out front to converse with the frequent customers. With the name attached to the stand, it means family members will always be behind its operation.
“If it’s not Italianos, no one is going to be at that window,” Nanci said.
Although she may not know all of her customers by name, she sees them as extended family, as she does know one important aspect about them.
“It’s quiet,” Nanci said of running the stand, “but I know everybody that comes here. It’s nice to know what flavor water ice they get.”
Pop’s Water Ice scooped up second as John’s Water Ice was frozen in third.
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
2012 Readers’ Choice Award winners
Cuisine
Fuel: Soup; Hummus; Lunch menu (sit down); and healthiest menu
Geno’s Steaks: Cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies: Hoagie
John’s Roast Pork: Pork sandwich
SliCE: Specialty pizza
Penrose Diner: Diner
Ippolito’s Seafood: Seafood selection
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant: BYOB; Italian Restaurant; Dessert menu; Chef
Cantina Los Caballitos: Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Birra: New restaurant
Night on the Town
South Philadelphia Tap Room: Craft beer selection
Popi’s Italian Restaurant: Celebrate a special occasion
Chickie’s & Pete’s: Friday happy hour; Bar menu; French fries
Sweet Tooth
Termini Bros.: Cannoli; Cookies
Caffe Chicco: Iced coffee
People
Barbara Capozzi: Civic leader
Dr. Steven Moskowitz and Dr. William Mestichelli: Dentist
Johnny Looch: DJ
D. Olivieri Jewelers: Jeweler
Rev. Joseph Kelley: Priest/minister
Dr. Gail Avicolli: Principal
Sports
Carl Arrigale: High school coach
Neumann-Goretti Saints: High school team
St. Monica: CYO program
Mike Schmidt: All-time pro athlete
Antonio "Scoop" Jardine: Local current college athlete
And the Rest …
Mummers Parade: South Philadelphia tradition
East Passyunk Avenue: Shopping center/district
Headhunters Hair Design: Salon
Roast beef sandwich: Category not on this list
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