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Sweet Things

Pictured: Capogiro Gelato Artisans

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UWISHUNU philly from the inside out

May 23, 2013

May 22, 2013

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Philadelphians have a long tradition of indulging in the sweeter side of life. Local ice cream legend Lewis Dubois Bassett, a Quaker schoolteacher and farmer, began selling his creamy confection in 1861. Bassett’s Ice Cream and Shane’s candy store, both historic Philadelphia establishments, are still housed in their original locations, complete with antique decor.

So stop by and taste the ice cream — or whatever other sugary concoction calls you.

Featured Listings

  • Capogiro Gelato Artisans

    More than 25 delectable choices of gelato and sorbet will make it impossible to resist

    Capogiro

    Everyone is raving about the gelato at Capogiro, from Town and Country and Oprah’s O Magazine to Food and Wine and the New York Times.

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  • Federal Donuts

    Line-up for donuts, fried chicken and coffee

    Next level coffee and donuts at Federal Donuts.

    The lines out the door explain it all; people across the city crave deep-fried joy. The original location for Federal Donuts in Pennsport has perfected the combination of Korean-style fried chicken and delectable donuts, selling out regularly since opening in the fall of 2011.

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  • John’s Water Ice

    South Philly’s go-to for Italian water ice since 1945

    Since 1945, this warm-weather to-go spot has been transforming fruit, sugar and frozen water into water ice—known elsewhere as “Italian ice.” Loyal patrons choose from lemon, chocolate, cherry or pineapple water ice; vanilla, chocolate, strawberry or butter pecan ice cream; or a combination thereof that John’s dubs “gelati.”

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  • Isgro Pastries

    Traditional Italian treats since 1904

    More than a century ago, baker Gus Isgro established this Italian Market-area shop, a take-a-number spot whose unmistakably buttery aroma wafts down Christian Street. Customers swear by the pound cake, Italian cream and strawberry shortcakes, but filled-to-order cannoli are Isgro’s top sellers.

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  • Gia Pronto

    Sip and sit at this Italian cafe

    Outfitted as a retro-modern, all-natural Italian cafe, Gia Pronto satisfies its customers with its leafy salads, crisp panini and steaming hot espresso. All ingredients are free-range, hormone-free and never fried.

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  • Artisserie Chocolate Cafe

    Sweet treats, boxed chocolates and more

    Artisserie specializes in a wide array of boxed chocolates, as well as cupcakes, cookies, specialty desserts and other confections best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee.

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  • Sugar Philly

    Philly food truck making sweet history

    Making numerous appearances on The Food Network and named one of the “20 best food trucks in America” by Smithsonian Magazine, this Asian-inspired sweets truck makes mouths water with its meringue macaroons and crème brûlée. Fortunately for visitors to the city, the truck remains immobile so it can be easily found.

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  • Metropolitan Bakery

    Home of homemade carbohydrate delights

    In addition to selling more than 30 varieties of homemade breads, the retail shop offers freshly roasted coffees, fine loose teas, English and local jams and American artisan cheeses.

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  • Lil’ Pop Shop

    Everything tastes better on a stick

    For those who think everything tastes better on a stick, Jeanne Chang is your new hero: her whole-other-ballgame artisan popsicle flavors include mango sriracha, apple pie “a la mode” and peanut butter curry.

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  • Green Line Cafe

    Organic coffee and locally sourced fare in two Spruce Hill locations

    Owned by an artist and her brother-in-law, all three Green Line and its twosister locations serve only organic, free trade-certified coffee and locally sourced sodas and food.Plus, the artwork on the walls changes frequently and is always for sale.

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  • Philly Flavors

    Your friendly, neighborhood ice cream shop

    Hugely popular with Fairmount kids of all ages (that definitely includes adults), Philly Flavors serves a huge variety of ice cream treats and award-winning water ice made from scratch.

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