Latest news with #Philly-style
USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Is Philly water ice the same as Italian ice? No, and here's why
Philly-style water ice makes a great 7th inning treat – Photo courtesy of Catherine Smith This article, originally published in June 2019, was updated in June 2025. Fans of the podcast "Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce" recently discovered another 'uniquely Philly' passion of Kelce's: water ice. 'WTF is water ice? Are we talking about snow cones?' asked YouTube viewer @treysullivan9248. Kelce, like any true Philadelphian, aggressively but understandably, clarified: 'No, Trey! We are not talking about snow cones!' Advertisement Kelce — media personality, podcast host, and wife of retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce — went on to say that water ice is a Philadelphia summer staple that's basically frozen sugar water. "You can't go wrong with it,' she said. What is Philly-style water ice? Philly kids love their Philadelphia water ice – Photo courtesy of Catherine Smith Most similar to a fresh fruit slushie, water ice has been Philadelphia's favorite summer treat for generations. Each spring, as the weather starts to warm up and hint at summer, we celebrate with our favorite seasonal treat. Moms line up with their kids at their favorite water ice stands. Excited children study the freezer full of colorful tubs. One asks, "Can I have strawberry on the bottom and mango on top?' The teenager behind the counter happily obliges, filling the bottom half of the plastic cup with an icy strawberry mixture and topping it off with another pale-yellow scoop. Advertisement While Philadelphians have been enjoying water ice for generations, the consumption of ice and fruit combinations goes back a couple of thousand years to ancient Sicily (and can be traced even further back to Asia, Persia, and Mesopotamia). To beat the summer heat, according to food historian Liz Williams, ancient Sicilians devised creative means to both refresh and delight. Long before the invention of coolers and refrigeration, the people of Sicily were ingeniously experimenting with ice. Runners were sent up the almost 11,000-foot Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, to collect snow and ice that could be combined with lemons, limes, and other fresh fruits to create a cool and refreshing summer treat. Over the years, Sicilians mastered a method of storing the ice in caverns beneath the volcano before transporting it to other parts of Italy. As they did so, the practice of mixing ice and fruit, known as granita, spread throughout Italy. Different regions developed their own versions of the fruit and ice combination, as well as sorbets and gelato. Fast forward some 2,000 years to the early 1900s, at the peak of Italian immigration to the United States. Approximately 2 million Italians immigrated here at that time, the majority coming from Southern Italy with hopes of escaping the intense poverty back home. Advertisement Men and women looked for creative ways — like peddling granita — to make money while establishing themselves and seeking employment. Just as the different regions of Italy developed different versions of granita over the years, American cities with high concentrations of Italians, especially Sicilians, began developing their versions. How do you serve Philadelphia water ice? Traditional water ice (pronounced "wooder ice" with the local accent) is made with three simple ingredients: fresh fruit, sugar and water. While it was once made by hand, today the ingredients are combined in a metal, cylindrical machine. A mixer inside the metal barrel rotates and scrapes the edges as the mixture begins to freeze and stick to the walls. After reaching the correct consistency, the water ice is transferred into tubs and served up fresh. Where is Philadelphia water ice made? Enjoy a refreshing treat at John's Water Ice – Photo courtesy of Kae Lani Palmisano As water ice has grown in popularity, new stands and mass-produced water ice franchises have popped up. Kids especially love Rita's Water Ice, a chain now available in over 30 states. Two of Philadelphia's most beloved water ice stands are John's Water Ice and Pop's Homemade Water Ice. John Cardullo, founder of John's Water Ice, owned a diner in the heart of South Philly's Italian Market neighborhood and often served water ice as a dessert. In 1945, as the water ice grew in popularity, he decided to close the diner, turn it into office space for his heating repair company, and open a simple water ice stand next door. Advertisement The two seasonal businesses provided Cardullo with steady income in both winter and summer. John's Water Ice still operates out of this original location on Christian Street, with a second location in Huntingdon Valley. Filippo Italiano of Pop's Homemade Water Ice sold his homemade Italian water ice from a cart he pushed around the neighborhood. As word of his refreshing treat spread, children and families began lining up outside his garage waiting for him to open. Since he lived across the street from an urban park, Italiano realized he was well-known enough to quit lugging his heavy cart around in the heat and let people come to him instead. In 1932, he converted his garage into a storefront. Decades later, his grandchildren still serve water ice out of this same location. Advertisement If you're visiting Philadelphia, head over to one of the mom-and-pop stands where you know you'll be met with the tastiest and most authentic Philadelphia water ice experience. Just be prepared, as many are cash only. John's is easily walkable from the Liberty Bell and Center City, while Pop's is located right off the Broad Street Line subway, a perfect place to stop before or after a Phillies game.
Eater
5 days ago
- Business
- Eater
El Centro Exits Georgetown — And More D.C. Closures
This is a curated list of D.C. area's newly announced restaurant and bar closures, with new updates published every month. See a closing we missed? Drop us a line . GEORGETOWN– El Centro D.F., Richard Sandoval Hospitality's Georgetown cantina since 2013, will close for good on Sunday, June 29. Located in the former Third Edition space, the two-story taqueria seats 160 diners and sports a Mexico City-influenced look, complete with vaulted ceilings, reclaimed wood, and custom murals full of metal and Mexican newspapers. A large garden patio out back features a bar and fire pit. D.C.'s original El Centro D.F. closed in Logan Circle in 2020 after a nearly 10-year run. An offshoot at Reagan National Airport remains open. Meanwhile, Sandoval maintains a presence in the city with wood-fired dLeńa in Mt. Vernon Triangle. 1218 Wisconsin Avenue NW U STREET– After a 20-year run, tequila-fueled Mexican restaurant Alero announced plans to leave its original location. 'The building has chosen not to renew our lease, so we will be closing our doors at this location,' per signage posted on its door. The go-to pregame place for 9:30 Club shows was known for its long list of quesadillas, enchiladas, and burritos, plus a popular weekend brunch menu. Alero maintains a presence in Dupont Circle, with future locations coming to H Street NE and NoMa. 1301 U Street NW DUPONT CIRCLE– D.C.'s iconic sandwich shop Bub and Pop's suddenly shut down on Friday, June 6. But the family-owned venture will soon live on across town, reports Axios. The much-bigger NoMa location, situated in the former Eleanor space, will expand upon its menu that includes Philly-style staples, Italian cold cut hoagies, and beefy brisket sandwiches. 1815 M Street NW CAPITOL HILL—Beuchert's Saloon, the old-school saloon known for its American fare and classic cocktails served in a Prohibition-era setting, shut down in early June after a 13-year run. Its original co-owners Andrew Markert, Bart Hutchins, and Mackenzie Conway pivoted during the pandemic and debuted pop-up sandwich shop Fight Club inside. 623 Pennsylvania Avenue SE UPPER NORTHWEST– The Fox at The Palisades closed on Monday, June 2, just eight months after opening. The fledgling cafe served cakes, cookies, lattes, and breakfast sandwiches. The Fox still lives on in some capacity, with catering company Pampa's Fox offering its same empanadas, pastries, and more baked goods. 5108 MacArthur Boulevard NW See More:
Axios
09-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Exclusive: Bub and Pop's will soon reopen in NoMa with spiked sodas and bowling
Beloved sandwich shop Bub and Pop's will soon open in a new, larger location in NoMa after a decade-plus in Dupont Circle, the owner exclusively tells Axios. Why it matters: Bub's seemingly abrupt shutter last week sparked fear of a permanent closure among its fanbase, but don't worry — the new version in the former Eleanor space promises to be bigger and better than ever. State of play: Chef/owner Jon Taub tells Axios he's aiming to open in about two weeks. He's keeping the bones of the Eleanor's barcade, meaning plenty of room to settle in with a beer and play throwback games or duck pin bowling. And the core menu of Philly-style hoagies and cheesesteaks will live on, as will the " Lil' Petey" sandwich-eating challenge. Dig in: Taub tells Axios he's looking forward to expanding the offerings — with plenty of nostalgic nods to his favorite hometown Philly spots. A custom soda fountain inspired by Nifty Fifty's will turn out egg creams, floats and malts, which customers can spike with booze (also look for wine, Champagne and beer). Taub is working on a new pizza menu, as well as fun bar snacks for game days. Diners will also have a few lighter options for times when a huge Italian hoagie or braised beef brisket sandwich won't fly. Context: Taub says the move has been in the works for a while after their landlord decided to double the rent on the small, mostly takeout shop. "It would have shuttered our business overnight," he says. The landlord filed an eviction lawsuit earlier this year, seeking nearly $250,000 in unpaid rent and fees, which Taub tells Axios is erroneous, and that they've been "following legal counsel" since. Between the lines: Taub has been making his own breads and hoagie rolls for a year-plus — which, along with homemade pickles and sauces, sets Bub's apart. Now he's upping the game with a new Polin oven. "It's how Angelo's in Philly achieves that perfect crust and bronze color," he says. All of the homemade accoutrements will be available to take away. "I know Trader Joe's is right down the street, but I wanted people to be able to come home with a container of our marinara and have a nice dinner."
CBS News
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Giddy up Philly! Meet the DJ who is bringing country line dancing to Center City, Philadelphia
Queer line dancing is drawing hundreds every Friday night in Center City, Philadelphia Queer line dancing is drawing hundreds every Friday night in Center City, Philadelphia Queer line dancing is drawing hundreds every Friday night in Center City, Philadelphia If you stroll through Center City, Philadelphia, on a Friday night, you might hear country beats and a lot of cheering. That's because Giddy Up Philly is bringing the energy — and the cowboy boots — to the heart of the city. Every week, DJ Hugo Max lights up the dance floor at Voyeur Nightclub, where country line dancing draws hundreds from all walks of life. "I see people from all ages and backgrounds," Hugo said. "I'm still surprised every week at the turnout." At Giddy Up Philly, it's more than just dancing — it's about community, self-expression, and belonging. The night is packed with upbeat, choreographed dances, welcoming everyone to let loose and have fun. "I see people just being themselves," Hugo Max said. "It's a community just having fun together." Hugo Max and his friends first started dancing at smaller venues over 12 years ago — one of the first being the beloved LGBTQ bar Woody's. "In the beginning, it was mainly folks from the LGBTQ community," Hugo Max explained. "Now, we have everyone showing up." For many regulars, the dance floor has become a space to escape and recharge. "I've been doing this since 1995," Joe Mingari said. "When I'm dancing, I feel like I'm flying. I'm only happy when I'm dancing." For DJ Hugo Max, that's exactly the goal. "You leave your stress at the door," he said. "This is a happy place." And the movement isn't stopping anytime soon. Hugo Max hopes to offer line dancing workshops in the future, and he's planning a return to the popular rooftop at Bok Bar. "When I start DJing and see everyone having fun," Hugo Max said, "everything else fades away." Giddy Up Philly is currently waiving the cover charge, and even better, DJ Hugo Max and his crew offer free lessons before the real dancing begins. So grab your boots and get ready to hit the floor — Philly-style.
