Two new openings to take advantage of during the holiday weekend (and the rest of the summer).
John’s Water Ice is now slinging sweet slush on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The stand at St. James Place officially opened on Thursday, June 26, and this one is not a franchise — it’s run by the family in charge of the South Philly original, which has been serving fresh-fruit ice at Seventh and Christian since 1945. Prices are ever so slightly higher ($2 for a small instead of $1.25), as expected at the beach. You can also get ice cream cones and cups, or the heavenly mix of the two, known locally as gelati.
Blue Corn has opened in the Italian Market in the former home of Torero Tapas Bar at 940 South Ninth Street. It’s another Mexican restaurant for a neighborhood that has many, but brothers Amado, Maximino and Augustin Sandoval are planning to stand out with a higher level of service and more refined atmosphere —the interior is already fancier than most taquerias thanks to its previous incarnation. Tortillas are made in house by the brothers, who have more than 15 years restaurant experience between them, and there’s a full bar. Hours are 10 AM-2 AM, Monday-Friday and 7 AM-2 AM, Saturday-Sunday.