Ice. Custard. Happiness. At Rita's Italian Ice.

Rita's Italian Ice offers a range of unique cool treats guaranteed to get you back in the groove, and bring back that smile in your face. Happiness in a cone, a cup, or a glass, you can find it all here at Rita's Italian Ice...

Rita's Italian Ice's amazingly cool story goes way back to 1984 in Philadelphia, and now, thirty years later, continues to expand both in the US and internationally with more branches scheduled to open in Canada, China, and the Philippines. With it's second branch at UP Town Center churning out its signature treats, things can only get cooler...

Just how can you beat the summer heat the Rita's way? Here are several sure-fire options at Rita's guaranteed to chill you down and leave you happy. Start with Rita's best-seller, the Gelati, combining both the signature Rita's Ice topped with Frozen Custard, in one refreshing and soothing treat. The Banana Ice topped with Chocolate Custard (L) and Strawberry Ice topped with Vanilla Custard (R) are just some of the possible combinations at Rita's. With so many frozen custard and water ice flavors to choose from, the permutations and pairings are almost infinite, making each visit to Rita's always new and exciting. The velvety smooth frozen custard is noticeably denser than the usual soft serve, thicker and heavier, and definitely creamier. The signature ice is surprisingly smooth as well, with none of the granulated ice particles for a finer, more delicate texture. And the best part is when the frozen custard and signature ice melt and blend together for sweet and tart notes. Combining both the Frozen Custard and the signature Ice deliver a unique frozen treat that's definitely not the usual, and just perfect to beat the lingering summer heat.

Rita's signature classic, the one that started it all, the Italian Ice, in tart and tangy (L-R) Tutti Frutti, Sugar-Free Tangerine with its vibrant orange hue, and Cotton Candy with its distinct powder blue color, provide light alternatives to chill without the guilt. In fact, make it an Ice Day, everyday at Rita's Italian Ice. Incredibly smooth, hard to believe it's ice. And the best part? It's not too sweet, and the fruit flavors add a rich tartness for balanced flavors. At Rita's Italian Ice, all the flavors are made with real and fresh fruits, and you can tell from the very first bite. As the smooth ice slowly melts inside your mouth, a burst of bold flavors are released.  And bite after bite, the flavors intensify, and you just can't stop.

But it's the Frozen Custard that remains a personal favorite at Rita's Italian Ice. Rita's young General Manager, Ted Castro, demonstrates the signature Frozen Custard's gravity-defying qualities (L) due to its dense consistency. Smooth as silk, and indulgently creamy. Just can't get better than that. 

But it does. At Rita's Italian Ice, you can enjoy the signature Frozen Custard on a classic waffle cone...

...or topped with colorful sprinkles like a Sundae, whichever you choose, you just can't lose with the signature Vanilla Frozen Custard of Rita's Italian Ice.

Double the fun with the Choco-Vanilla Frozen Custard Twist, combining the richness of deep chocolate flavors with creamy vanilla in just one bite. Rita's line of Frozen Custard are swirled tall and high, holding its impressive shape despite the heat.

Things get even more exciting when you go for a Blendini, a smooth blend of Rita's signature Italian Ice, Frozen Custard, and your choice of different toppings. Here's Ted's Blendini, one of Ted Castro's innovative creations, with tart Mango Italian Ice, Vanilla Frozen Custard, walnuts, and wafers. This one's a winner. Seriously good. 

You can also enjoy Rita's signature Italian Ice blended with Frozen Custard, the Misto, for another refreshingly cool twist. Think of it as a gelati you can sip, noticeably creamier than icy. The Strawberry Misto (R) releases a vibrant burst of tart notes that tingle in your mouth, balancing the chilling sensation.

Or go for the global bestseller, the Cherry Misto (L), with its deeper, rounder and tart notes. And there's still so much more to discover and experience at Rita's Italian Ice, like milkshakes, sundaes, and Oreo Custard Sandwiches. Feeling the heat? No problem. Just go get Rita's and get happy...

Rita's Italian Ice is located at the Secind Floor of the new wing at UP Town Center, Diliman, Quezon City or call 955-2452 for inquiries.

Dude for Food is now on Facebook, check out the FB Page for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB "Like" widget on the right sidebar.