Time for summer sweet treats

FOOD NEWS

As the weather heats up and school is out for summer, it’s time for some cold, sweet treats!

We are lucky to have so many delicious options in Grand Junction. Here are some to explore.

Enstroms Candies — Located at 701 Colorado Ave. in downtown Grand Junction, this store known for its amazing toffee also has a variety of terrific ice cream. One of my favorites is their toffee ice cream.

Euro Mart — This European specialty store across from Colorado Mesa University at 1059 North Ave. has a variety of frozen desserts such as Toblerone ice cream bars to enjoy on a hot summer’s day. You will also find other items to bring home such as their wide selection of pierogi and European candies, too.

Fiesta Guadalajara

— If you want to dine out and eat a sweet treat at the end of a meal, I love Fiesta Guadalajara’s fried ice cream. Crunchy on the outside and cold on the inside, drizzled with caramel and chocolate, and topped with whipped cream, this is a yummy dessert. Their Grand Junction location is at 710 North Ave.

Hokulia Shave Ice — This cute little food truck is located next to American Furniture Warehouse in Grand Junction at 2570 American Way. They sell Hawaiian shave ice and are a popular spot to visit on a hot day in the Grand Valley. (As a side note: it is shave ice and not shaved ice. There’s an interesting history involving language and Japanese immigrants in Hawaii shaving ice off of large blocks and adding sugar and juice.) Shave ice is similar to what some people call a snow cone, but is distinctly different and always a hit with kids.

La Michoacana — I love this fun place near Home Depot at 2430 Patterson Road. Their massive sandia loca (crazy watermelon) makes for a refreshing and absolutely delightful treat for the whole family! They also have a pineapple version called a piña loca. Be sure to try some of their paleta (popsicles) and helado (ice cream), too. In addition, they have a variety of refreshing beverages such as agua fresca (special waters often made from fruit) and horchata (a sweet and creamy drink typically made from rice, sugar, and cinnamon). If you are in the mood for something savory, be sure to check out their terrific cheesy elote (corn) that they top on your choice of chips.

Picture Show — Did you know that Picture Show movie theater (590 24½ Road) in Grand Junction serves ice cream? Escape the heat and cool off with a movie and ice cream. They even have a some kid-friendly movies twice weekly in the morning with reduced prices and food.

I love that you can buy a reserved seat online in advance, and that their seats are comfortable and recline.

Stay at Home Popsicles — Want to stay home and eat a cold and refreshing popsicle on your patio? You can easily make your own to enjoy.

Just buy a popsicle mold, add yogurt with fruit or use fruit juice and put them in your freezer. I did this for many years when my kids were younger and they were always a hit. It saves money, is super handy, and you can control the ingredients.

Suplizio Field and the Jackalopes — Baseball and summer go hand in hand and the Jackalopes have a lot of tasty and great-priced food items for everyone — including cold, slushy beverages.

Get tickets and bring some friends and family for a fun experience.

Third Bowl Ice Cream — I noticed a “coming soon” sign the other day at this new location across from Colorado Mesa University on North Avenue near Euro Mart. Founded in Hotchkiss, they specialize in local organic ingredients when possible and make their ice cream from scratch. I’ve heard great things about them and I’m sure it will be very popular.

U Top It – Frozen Yogurt & Deli — Remember the days where frozen yogurt shops were everywhere? There aren’t many left anymore, but I really like the delicious U Top It out in Orchard Mesa. Located at 230 E.

Lynwood St., it’s a little challenging to see from the road, but totally worth the visit. They have a wall of self-serve frozen yogurt options and lots of toppings.

Generally, the price is by weight, but they also have specials on certain days.

It’s fun and nostalgic!

If you have any food and beverage-related events or information you want readers to know about, please email me at AllThingsFoodChristine@gmail.com

The sandia loca (crazy watermelon) at La Michoacana is one of the most delightful and refreshing treats around! It’s also an amazing deal at $15 for everything including a paleta (popsicle) of your choice.

Photos by CHRISTINE GALLAGHER

Enjoy a cold, slushy beverage and some baseball at a Grand Junction Jackalope’s game.

Enjoy some Hawaiian shave ice at the Hokulia Shave Ice truck on a hot summer’s day.

Fiesta Guadalajara has a terrific fried ice cream.

This tucked away place on Orchard Mesa is a nostalgic gem with tasty treats.

This Western Slope ice cream company is opening a store in Grand Junction soon.

allagher