picture:theqshack.com
Those gravely missed degrees have finally returned – what better way to celebrate than with a chilly treat, right?
Locally-praised LocoPops (LP) crafts gourmet frozen popsicles by “blending the traditions of Mexico with the flavors of the world,” according to the brand’s website. LP includes a triad of locations in Durham, Chapel Hill, & Raleigh, as well as, distribution to ten or so triangle restaurants, markets, etc. With such hip marketing and positive local buzz – I had to visit LP and try their product.
I guess I have a preconceived notion that any store showcasing a sugar-based product is going to be a hello kitty spin off concept… sugar, spice, and everything nice…and LP’s logo didn’t help dispel this expectation. Oh boy was I wrong. Without the sidewalk stand-alone sign, I would have thought it was a vacant property via the blank, dark windows. Walking inside – it only got more awkward… a large white room with a few tables, park benches, a big cooler, and a silent employee waiting for a sale. My companion expressed his mutual disappointment by stating that the vendors must be trying to run LP’s operation with as little overhead as possible… a la no interiors. Upside – they do get the kids involved — with pages of kiddie art tacked up.
But, let’s get to the reason why we came – the popsicles. Kid-size & Regular size options – My recommendation is to get the generous kid-size so you can sample a few flavors… ours included: Mexican Chocolate (choc+cinnamon, nutmeg, clove), Mango Chile (Mango+dash of chile pepper), and Cookies&Crème. The yummy, unique flavors are very literal – you’re going to taste what their name promises. Frozen is an understatement, with the water-based popsicles being much harder than the cream-based. But that’s the point – this ain’t icecream.
Conceptually, I dig it…really distinctive popsicle flavors that change weekly… however, I feel there would be more character in presentation if I bought it from a street side, umbrella-shaded stand vs. driving to a large cooler inside a white room. I did “fancy a culinary adventure” a la LP’s mission statement and got a truly tasty Popsicle – but sitting on an inept park bench inside a blank space. Overall, LP is a great product but with less than mediocre staging. I’ll be happy to purchase Locopops via satellite distribution or if in the area… but it’s not my afternoon destination.
