NEW YORK — It’s part of the soundtrack of Washington Heights.
The rhythm of scraping ice fills upper Manhattan street corners in the summertime. The vibrantly painted carts of the “Hombres Frio Frio” are never hard to find in the neighborhood.
“People always remember where they come from when they drink the frio frio. And in serving them, I remember as well,” said Juan Almonte.
For seven summers, Almonte has claimed the corner of 160th Street and Amsterdam Avenue as his own, rolling out his traditional Dominican cart ladened with bottles of homemade fruit syrup and a giant block of ice every morning.
“I have a clientele in this area. And the people really like what I serve. They line up for the chance to have one of my juices,” he said.
Here under the blazing summer sun, the Hombres Frio Frio help to keep people cool.
“It’s important for me to be on this corner, because we are a neighborhood of Dominicans. Dominican culture is here, and keeping this tradition is important," Almonte said. "When people come to my cart and drink a frio frio, they remember their home. They love that. They say things like, 'It reminds me of Santa Domingo when I drink one.’”
This popular Dominican treat is topped with fruit-based syrups with many flavors you can only find in the Caribbean. It’s a twist on classic shaved ice found in many Spanish-speaking countries.
It’s not easy work.
For Manuel Vera, on the corner of Wadsworth Avenue and 181st Street, some days have to be cut short. Standing on his feet in the summer sun can be grueling. But he said he gets back to it as soon as he can, knowing the joy his cart brings to the neighborhood.
“People come by, and they like what I give them. It makes them happy, which makes me happy,” Vera said.
For all of these vendors, it’s more than simply selling shaved ice. It’s a way of life, and a way to keep the culture of the community alive.
“Among my people, we don’t forget about the Dominican Republic. So I’m here every time the weather gets warm, every summer, to give people a refreshing drink that reminds them of home,” Vera said.
Jose Perrez stands ready at the corner of 162nd Street and St. Nicholas Avenue. Though optimistic about the future, he’s noticed a shift in the neighborhood.
“People are moving out. The rent is going up. New people are moving in," Perrez said. "And the new people, they don’t come by the cart. It’s not what they like.”
Perrez said he will continue to scrape on, hoping others will continue to crave the taste of home.
“It’s possible we won’t be here forever but while we can we will be here to give the public what they love most….It’s possible we won’t be here forever but while we can we will be here to give the public what they love most.”