Looking for NYC Italian Ices

[lisalevi]

I have been searching all over Austin for real Italian Ices just like the kind I had during my childhood in Brooklyn. Vanilla Chip from Ices Queen on Utica Avenue is the gold standard for me. Any ideas?

[nytexan]

ill stay away from ritas

[nytexan]

has anyone tried rita's ices

[dinaofdoom]

i had the pear, and it was pretty sweet.
the ice texture was nice-- not too grainy.

[rudeboy]

Here's an interesting article article about Rita's.....maybe no reason to go there?

http://www.outsidethemachine.com/?p=609

[dinaofdoom]

ewwww. that's a long list of chemicals for a relatively simple item.

[adaughn]

so i am looking for a place to take my girlfriend for italian ices like they have in boston because she is from there and misses them. I looked it up online and found a place called italyum that looks promising. Was wondering if anyone who knows what italian ices are supposed to be like has been there? Want to get verification that its the right thing. They have a spot on guadelupe and 23rd and one on 4th and congress.

[Allison L.]

Oh. My. God. Ices Queen on Utica Avenue was around the corner from my grandmother's house when I was growing up. The kids on her block and I used to wash people's cars and then take all the money to go buy ices. And yes, Vanilla Chip was my favorite. You totally just took me down reminiscence road.

Sad to report that I went to Slices & Ices because of the "Italian Ice" sign thinking I could find what we are talking about, but it is nothing like that so don't even try. That stuff is locally made and locally distributed (if you think about it you realize that the texture of those ices is such that it couldn't possibly be shipped). I do enjoy Jim Jim's because it's really good, but it's not what we are talking about either. The closest thing I have found to that is at Amy's Ice Cream. They always have a couple of ices selections and the texture is very similar to Ices Queen. The coconut and key lime are my favorite. Good luck!

[gulch]

Jim Jim's on East 6th street

[librarygirl]

Gulch,

I've had Jim Jim's too hoping that it would taste just like the Italian Ices I had back in Coney Island at W. 12th and Cropsey Avenue. The taste doesn't even come close.

Lisalevi,
You might see if any of the Brooklyn or NY-style pizzarias here serve any ices. I doubt it but I would be happy if they do.

[rudeboy]

I haven't been to Slices and Ices on the drag, but I've heard that they have good ices (and slices). Give us a report if you go - my wife is from Philly and longs for italian ice - I think that she has had Jim Jim's and it's "okay."