So, whaddaya do in Oceanside (aka: "O'side", to me at least), after a nice lunch with a Yelp Friend…read moreyou met in person for the first time? Ya knock around on the O'side Beach, making your way slowly toward the famous Oceanside Pier, THAT'S what ya do. I absolutely love The O'side Pier, and try to make time for a trip there, anytime I'm in Escondido. It doesn't make it more difficult that it's the closest place to get to the Pacific, driving from E-town. Google up The Oceanside Pier; it's got quite a history.
Ya know how they say: "There's always room for Jell-o"? Well, the same could be said for Italian Ice. Similar to Ice Cream, it contains NO Dairy (in case you're lactose-intolerant), and is simply DELICIOUS!
You're not "delicious-intolerant", are ya?
Which brings me to Skweezrz New York Italian Ices. "Italian Ice Joe" is set up right at the base of the ramp you walk up, to get onto The Pier itself. Great location; even greater fare.
Joe's a really cool guy; I hung around long enough to see how great and easy he is with people of all kinds, be it kids, surfers, the ladies, or that annoying guy that talks your ear off, and just won't LEAVE (uh, that'd be...me). He offers every passer-by a free sample, and I warn ya; if you sample, you WILL buy! Of course, Joe offered me a "free one" (no not "that" kind). Sadly, he was out of my favorite fruit flavor (Cherry), so I had to "settle" for Strawberry; it sure didn't feel like settling.
I may eat more Ice Cream than Italian Ice (as a general rule), but I really don't know why. The flavor was AMAZING! Couple that with the fact that it's gotta be lower in calories (something I could do with less of), and has a MUCH fresher finish. Compared to Ice Cream (or even frozen Yogurt), it's a way healthier choice. And it seems to quench your thirst, at the same time it's soothing your mouth with sweet, fruity coolness.
Joe's got every flavor under the Sun (tho there was no Sun itself today); all the expected fruits, plus a chocolate flavor Joe sez tastes just like a Tootsie Roll. Or if ya can't decide, have him mix ya up a "Rainbow"; I can't remember if that's what he called it, but you get the idea (I posted a pic of one). Joe's got 'em ALL!
It's NOT just getting a cup of frozen stuff; no, it's a whole "experience", it really is. The cool Italian Ice will soothe your mouth and cleanse your palette, and Joe's perpetual good mood is infectious. If you don't leave with a lighter spirit just by hangin' around the guy, you're a lost cause. The Italian Ice will cost ya (tho not very much at all); the uplifting spirit is FREE.
If you're in Oceanside, you gotta take a trip to the O'side Pier. Take a walk all the way to the end and have a chat with the Pelicans, but don't get too close (they WILL attack, and I'm not kidding).
And above all else, ya GOTTA stop by Skweezrz New York Italian Ice cart, say hi to Joe, and have a cup of frozen cheer. Tell him Larry sent ya!
larrythediner
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