Thanks, Pop

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There are a lot more smiling faces around South Philly this week. Why? For some it’s the sheer excitement over no longer having to bundle up in that heavy winter coat. For others, especially children, the upbeat mood comes as a result of the long winter hiatus of no Pop’s Water Ice, 1337 Oregon Ave., finally being over. It means the Readers’ Choice voters can finally return to the place that serves up the neighborhood’s best gelati.

“It’s great finding out we won the award, and we are very proud of what we do,” owner Linda Raffa said.

She happens to be the oldest grandchild of Filippo “Pop” Italiano, who in 1932 started selling frozen treats out of a pushcart in South Philadelphia.

“I remember when I was a little girl I was told ‘you can’t play with your friends tonight, but you can go over and help your granddad,’” she said. “It’s very heartwarming to be here, especially after the winter we had, and seeing all of the smiling faces.”

Raffa said chocolate ice cream/vanilla water ice, orange water ice/vanilla ice cream and root beer water ice/vanilla ice cream are just a few of the popular combos that customers tend to order. With spring right around the corner, business is about to pick up again at this 82-year-old neighborhood landmark.

Capogiro scooped up second while John’s Water Ice froze in third.

Contact Editor Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Cuisine

Steak ‘Em Up French fries 
Philip’s Steaks and Geno’s Steaks (tie) Cheesesteak 
PrimoHoagies Hoagie 
Lil Nick’s Deli Specialty sandwich
City Pizza Pizza crust 
Green Eggs Cafe Brunch menu
Penrose Diner Omelet selection/Diner
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant Date night/BYOB
Ristorante Pesto Italian restaurant
Johnny Chang’s Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Breezy’s Café New restaurant (January 2013 to present)
Stogie Joe’s Tavern Bar menu
Nick Elmi Top chef 

Sweet Tooth

Isgro Pastries Cannoli/Bakery 
Pop’s Water Ice Gelati 
Potito’s Cupcakes
Termini Bros Cookies

People

Jason Douglas DJ
The Business Local band 
Bobby Rydell South Philly celebrity 
Dana Smith Elementary school teacher
Vikings Mummers Brigade 
Carl Arrigale High school coach
Neumann-Goretti High school team 
Bryan Hughes Youth/recreation league coach 
Nick Foles Philly pro athlete 

Places

DiBruno Bros. Italian specialty store
Galdo’s Catering Hall
Ten Pennies Florist
Monti Rago Funeral Home, Inc., Funeral home
Packer Park Neighborhood
Epiphany of Our Lord Church Church 
Lombardi’s Prime Meats Butcher shop 
TLA Music venue  

On the Move 

Planet Fitness Gym/health club 
DanceAdelphia Ballet program 
Barry Playground Community pool
Fitness Works Place to take a Pilates class

And Let’s Not Forget  

Bartender Category not on this list 

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Jane Kiefer
Jane Kiefer, a seasoned journalist with a rich background in digital media strategies, leads South Philly Review as its Editor-in-Chief. Originally hailing from Seattle, Jane combines her outsider perspective with a profound respect for South Philly's vibrant community, bringing fresh insights and innovative storytelling to the newspaper.