Michael Mednick hates coconut. Usually. Fortunately, that didn’t stop him from not only creating his own recipe for coconut Italian ice but eventually beginning to enjoy it himself. He’s not the only one. His coconut-flavored ice bursts on the tongue, fresh and exceptionally creamy, despite the fact that all of Mednick’s Italian ice is dairy-free. If you don't care for ice, try the frozen yogurt. Another guilt-free option, the non-fat yogurt comes in vanilla, chocolate and peanut butter and tastes as good as guilty. If you feel really desperate for calories, go for the Homers ice cream, quite possibly the richest, yummiest ice cream in the history of the world.

In the business since the early nineties, Anthony's called Armitage home until April 2005 when it became time to expand. Its Southport location boasts indoor seating and a variety of menu options: turkey chili, nine homemade soups a day, meatball subs, grilled cheese and Mednick’s personal favorite, Italian beef sandwiches. Mednick works on site every day, creating ice from three machines, including one that was made the year he was born. That’s not to say he’s not a hip guy. How else could he staff such friendly and committed kids, some of whom return summer after summer to sell the all-natural, fruity goodness?

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Emily Fiffer