Escape the Island Heat with EARL Kapolei's Sweet New Summer Treat: Italian Ice!
As Oahu summer weather begins to set in, folks are craving refreshing escapes from the heat, especially on the hot and dry West side of the island. That’s where EARL Kapolei is coming to the rescue! This month, we're introducing not just one, but three exciting new frozen treats guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and cool you down: Italian Ice, Frozen Custard, and Gelati (Frozen Custard + Italian Ice).
With Rita's departure from the islands, EARL Kapolei is stoked to step up and fill the void for delicious Italian ice on Oahu. In the land of endless shave ice, we know that many here may not be familiar with this popular East Coast treat — but you’re about to be. We’ll run through the origins and history of Italian ice, what makes it different from granita and Hawaiian shave ice, and all the sweet ways you can enjoy EARL Kapolei’s dessert offerings this summer!
A Journey Through Icy History: The Origins of Italian Ice
Italian ice, also sometimes known as water ice or Philly water ice, boasts a rich history that stretches back to origins in (you guessed it!) Italy. While frozen ice treats have long been enjoyed by ancient civilizations in places like China and the Roman Empire, it was the island of Sicily that embraced the icy delight that would come to be known as granita. The arrival of new techniques thought to be brought by Arabs for sherbet or sorbet eventually gave rise to the signature granita blend of water, sugar, and fruit. This mixture is scraped while being chilled to prevent fully freezing, creating a light and fluffy ice texture.
From Global Granita to East Coast Italian Ice
The popularity of granita soared throughout Europe, with variations emerging in different regions. In France, it's known as "granité" and often incorporates coffee flavors. As Sicilian and Italian immigrants traveled the world, they brought their love for granita with them, introducing it to new cultures and continents. It’s said that “Italian ice” was created by a Sicilian woman living in New Jersey who missed her childhood granita and came up with a similar, albeit smoother and thicker version.
Shave Ice vs. Italian Ice: A Tale of Two Treats (and How They Fit into the Hawaiian Dessert Landscape)
Both Italian ice and Hawaiian shave ice offer a delightful escape from the heat, but they boast distinct characteristics:
Texture: Italian ice has a denser, smoother texture compared to the light and fluffy texture of shave ice. This difference arises from the freezing process. Italian ice is created by churning a mixture of water, fruit purées, and sugar during the freezing process, incorporating air for a much creamier consistency. Shave ice, on the other hand, is simply finely shaved ice flavored with syrups poured on top.
Ingredients: Italian ice relies on fruit purées or concentrates for its vibrant flavors, while shave ice typically uses flavored syrups. This can give Italian ice a more natural taste profile, often boasting a brighter and more intense fruit flavor.
Serving Style: Italian ice is typically scooped and served in a cup or cone, similar to gelato or sorbet. Shave ice is often piled high in a cup and enjoyed with a straw or spoon, allowing for self-service customization with syrups and toppings such as mochi and azuki beans.
Italian Ice: A Perfect Complement to Hawaiian Shave Ice
While shave ice reigns supreme in Hawaii as a quintessential dessert, Italian ice offers a unique and delightful alternative that’ll keep your sweet tooth satisfied and everyone cool as a cucumber, especially on the hot and dry West side of Oahu! Its denser texture provides a more intense flavor experience, and the use of fruit purées allows for a wider range of natural flavors.
Beyond Shave Ice: Exploring Oahu's Diverse Dessert Scene
Shave ice may be the go-to frozen treat on Oahu, but the island offers a diverse selection of other delicious desserts to explore:
Local Favorites: Don't sleep on local Hawaiian treats like haupia (coconut pudding), malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts), and lilikoi cheesecake (made with passion fruit). These desserts boast unique flavor profiles and are a great way to experience Hawaii’s local cuisine.
Other Shaved Ice: Shaved ice comes in many forms around the world, including the popular milk-based Korean bingsu/bingsoo, and the soft, paper-thin Taiwanese shaved ice that can be found in shops around Oahu as well.
Frozen Yogurt: For a healthier option, frozen yogurt shops offer a variety of flavors and toppings, allowing for endless customization.
Ice Cream: Classic ice cream shops and national chains continue to be popular destinations, offering familiar flavors and a nostalgic experience.
Gelato: Italian gelato is a luxurious indulgence, offering a denser and richer texture compared to traditional ice cream.
Italian Ice, Frozen Custard, and Gelati: now available only at EARL Kapolei!
Looking for Dessert in Kapolei? Explore EARL’s New Summer Offerings: Italian Ice, Frozen Custard, and Gelati!
Now, let's return to the sweet news at EARL Kapolei! For starters, we understand that variety is key. That's why we'll be offering two flavors of our Italian ice, starting with classic cherry and the island favorite, mango. Our custard-flavored Frozen Custard can also be swirled with either Italian ice option for a creamier Gelati flavor combination. In addition to Italian ice, these frozen treats are guaranteed to become your new summer favorites:
Frozen Custard: This decadent dessert boasts a richer, denser texture compared to traditional ice cream. Made with egg yolks, cream, and sugar, frozen custard offers an incredibly smooth and creamy mouthfeel that will leave you wanting more. The higher egg yolk content also contributes to a richer flavor profile compared to typical ice cream.
Gelati: Craving a unique twist? Look no further than our gelati! Don’t get it twisted, this isn’t gelato – it combines the creamy richness of frozen custard with the refreshing flavors of Italian ice in a delightful swirl. It's the perfect way to experience the best of both worlds! Imagine indulging in a scoop of gelati with ribbons of tart Italian Ice cutting through the smooth, decadent frozen custard – a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Beyond the Flavor: The EARL Kapolei Experience
At EARL Kapolei, we're committed to providing a delightful experience for every guest. Our friendly staff is passionate about creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring you find the perfect frozen treat to beat the heat.
We offer comfortable indoor seating to enjoy our East Coast subs, burgers, fried chicken, and frozen treats, perfect for escaping the midday sun. Or if you prefer the outdoors, our patio seating provides a chance to enjoy the summer weather with a great fast-casual meal.
Join Us for a Summer of Frosty Fun at EARL Kapolei!
So, what are you waiting for? Head down to EARL Kapolei this month and experience the refreshing wave of Italian Ice, the decadent delight of Frozen Custard, and the unique twist of our Gelati creation! We're the perfect destination to cool down, indulge in delicious flavors, and create lasting summer memories with friends and family. Whether you order online for in-store pickup or opt for delivery on DoorDash, UberEats, or Postmates, we’d love to serve you up some feel-good food. See you soon!
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