Gina's Italian Ice added to Best of Berwyn list

BERWYN – After two months of careful consensus a decision was reached: Gina's Italian Ice is the favorite way to beat the summer heat in Berwyn.

Gina's took first prize among a field of five candidates in the Berwyn Development Corporation’s (BDC) Berwyn’s Best competition, which began in May.

The idea was to find the best local frozen confection. Gina’s Italian Ice, 6737 W. Roosevelt Road, walked home a winner with its signature homemade Lemon Italian Ice.

Gina Tremonte’s favorite, the lemon ice is made on-site daily with the help of her son Patrick. The recipe comes from one she learned in Italy.

Gina's mixes finely shaved ice with bright yellow lemons and sugar to create a simple yet perfect summer cool-off combination. The frozen treat is available during the shop’s open season from May through September.

Gina’s Italian Ice went up against other local favorites 3-D’s Cool Creations, Tastee Freez, Culver’s and La Michoacana Premium. The final competition brought together a group of local judges for a taste-test event to compare each specialty frozen dessert side-by-side based on flavor, texture and presentation.

Judges included Dan White of Old Fashioned Candies; Eddie Garcia of Realty of Chicago; Jackie Dahlgren of 3D Collision Repair, Inc.; Karen Jures of Byline Bank; Vero Castro of Happy Buddha Cafe; and 5th Ward Alderman Cesar Santoy.

Their scores, along with a public poll, determined the contest winner.