Uptown's most charming frio frio cart is back with a fresh new look.
Manned by an old-timer named Jose, the mobile shaved ice stand–it's actually a repurposed shopping cart–has returned to its quiet corner of Amsterdam Avenue and 160th Street in Washington Heights.
This year, the cart is a much more polished affair. Its images of icy treats, phrases like "Que rico son frio frio" ("Frio frio is so delicious") and price list have been refreshed by local street artist The Snoeman.
In past summers the cart featured simpler hand-painted drawings and phrases.
What hasn't changed are the rows of bright syrups and stacks of colorful plastic cups that add to the eye-catching jumble.
Order a frio frio and Jose will quickly get to work shaving ice from a glistening block hidden under a towel. Pick your flavor–cherry, lemon, and tamarind to name just a few–and watch him douse the freshly-made ice cone with your syrup of choice.
Ice-cold and syrupy sweet, it's the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer afternoon.
