Happiness -- Coming Soon!

One of the simple tastes I have acquired since living in this area is that of water ice from Rita's. My favorite flavor is cherry. Unfortunately, they close for the winter. As you can see in the photo, happiness will return on February 27!!

The story of Rita's Water Ice dates back to the sweltering summer of 1984 when Bob Tumolo, a former Philadelphia firefighter, decided to open a small Italian Ice business to augment his income. Tumolo opened his first store in Bensalem, Pa. and named the business after his wife, Rita.

Bob and his mother, Elizabeth, set to work – making their product fresh daily. They collaborated to perfect the flavors and consistency of the frozen treat. The mother and son team added chunks of fresh fruit to the recipes and threw away any unused product after 36 hours. The Italian Ice, also referred to as water ice, was a big hit with Philadelphians, who are arguably the most discriminating water ice eaters in the United States. Today there are over 500 Rita's.

On their corporate website they boldly proclaim, "We promise happiness." These are my kind of people.