Review: Pleasant Pops (Mexican Ice Pops/Paletas)

Food Truck Name: Pleasant Pops
twitter handle: @pleasantpops
website: http://www.pleasantpops.com/
(The site matches its name in both usability and aesthetics with everything pleasantly labeled.  Find their seasonal menu under "What's In Season" and their truck's locations under "Farmers' Markets" and "Truck Schedule".)

cost: $2.50 (cash, credit or debit)
types available: dairy based and fruit based
today's choices:
   dairy based -
Chongos (Mexican Sweet Cream and Cinnamon)
Cookies n' Cream
   fruit based -
Chocolate Strawberry Truffle
Strawberry Ginger Lemonade

wait time: usually less than a minute, but depends on the line
customer rewards card: yes (get a punch on card for each pop purchase/double punch when the temperature is below 60ish/when you have acquired 10 punches, your next pop is free)

Of the choices I had to pick from today, I went with "Strawberry Ginger Lemonade" (see above picture).  The local strawberry flavor just pops in the mouth, leaving a wonderful feel of juicy fruit on the tongue.  The subtle hint of ginger elevates the taste without distracting, while the nodes of lemon essentially wrap up everything...quite pleasantly.  The only slight problem of its fast melting action comes from its by-product of being made of natural ingredients (and probably without the gelatin that other more commercial pops have to retain their shape).  It is only a problem such that one cannot savor the pop without it dripping and causing a mad scramble to eat it without causing a brain freeze.

I have to admit that I'm a big fan of Pleasant Pops (with one card completely filled, already starting on another).  The seasonal inspired flavors can be hit or miss, but when they get it right, the results are spectacular.  For every incredible flavor like the surprisingly refreshing, yet creamy goodness of the aptly named "guac pop" (avocado lime), there has to be the equally disappointing and almost strangely bland "avocado pop".  It is a thin line between insanity and genius, one that Pleasant Pops happily jumps back and forth like a mad scientist on a sugar high.  The variations of Pleasant Pops' paletas are only limited by their locally sourced fruits and vegetables and their own imagination.  Past flavors have ranged from the familial "chocolate cream" and "good old strawberry" to the more adventurous territories of "cucumber chile" and "pineapple basil".
(see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paletas for more info)

"Chongos Pop"

Final Verdict: What's not to love about something under $3 that brings you back to the innocent childhood days by the pool?  So, don't be afraid, go grab a customer rewards card and try whatever fits your fancy.  They probably will have at least one flavor that will match your taste.  What do you have to lose?  The way I see it, not much except for the few napkins you'll need to wipe that slightly messy grin off your face.