Mouthful - Italian ice from Buford Highway to Auburn Ave.

Icy treats

LottaFrutta: Owner Myrna Perez’s take on Mexican paletas (milk- and ice-based Popsicles) are awesomely refreshing on these hot summer days. Flavors change depending on market availability, but our favorite paletas are the pleasantly sour passion fruit, a dreamy coconut packed with coconut shreds and the slightly sweet avocado. 590 Auburn Ave. 404-588-0857. www.lottafrutta.com.

Cafe 101: Heat-seeking Atlanta foodies immediately embraced this excellent Szechwan newcomer. Unique sweets – most notably the shaved ice desserts – are the perfect way to snuff out the hot-pepper flames, and one order is more than enough for the table. Simple offerings such as fresh mango chunks served over a mountain of shaved-to-order ice are good for first-timers, but seasoned eaters will love the versions covered in assorted beans, tapioca and coconut milk. 5412 Buford Highway. 770-458-8883. www.cafe101atlanta.com.

Rita’s Water Ice: If you’re finishing a long day at Piedmont Park or just grabbing a few groceries at Trader Joe’s, there’s no better way to beat the heat than a frozen treat from this Philadelphia-based chain. Rita’s offers frozen custards and soft-serve ice cream, but the smooth Italian ice is tops. DayGlo flavors include Georgia peach and cherry. The simple Alex’s Lemonade ice, however, dotted with bits of lemon zest, is the best of the bunch. 931 Monroe Drive. 404-347-3005. www.ritasice.com.






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