Growing up in New York, Ralph's Italian Ices was a staple. However, attending the University of Maryland has made me cheat on my man Ralph and switch over to my girl Rita.

Understandably, people who don't frequent Rita's are usually stressed when it comes to ordering and inevitably order something that they regret. Stress no more! Here is the ultimate how-to guide for ordering at Rita's.

Standard Italian Ice

Personally, this is an option I rarely, if ever, order, but if you're a plain Jane this is probably for you. They have a wide variety of water ice flavors that change on a daily basis and a few cream ice flavors.

Custard

What makes Rita's different from your traditional frozen dessert establishment is that they serve custard instead of ice cream or frozen yogurt. Though it pretty much tastes like soft serve ice cream, it's made with egg yolks for a thicker consistency.

This is where things start to get interesting….

Gelati

For those of you unfamiliar with the Rita's terminology, a Gelati is a cup of Italian ice sandwiched between two layers of custard. Let me start off by saying there are two types of people out there: the people who get custard and water ice (and regret it) and the people who get custard and cream ice (and love every second of it).

And my personal favorite…

Blendini

A Blendini is essentially a McFlurry on steroids. You get to pick a cream ice, custard and one (or two) toppings and have them blend it all together. I recommend getting the Blendini with fudge brownie ices, chocolate custard and Reeses. If I go to Rita's and don't get one of these, check my forehead and make sure I'm feeling okay.

If you're feeling extra ambitious after reading this, call ahead and request flavors for tomorrow to ensure the optimal experience.