Sweet Spot: Six Stops for Cool Treats

It’s hot -sweltering hot – and you need all the cooling off you can get.

Take the kids (or yourself) by one of these Fondren favorites.

1. La Brioche Patisserie (2906 North State Street)

A French bakery from Argentinian sisters, selling croissants and berry tarts – among other items – La Brioche is also becoming well-known for their house-made gelato. Nearly a dozen flavors – some dairy and some non-dairy – include mango, dulce de leche, coffee and hazelnut. The treat comes in three sizes and can include a mix of flavors, all in the same cup. They even top every order with a mini macaron!

2. Sneaky Beans Coffee Shop (2914 North State Street)

Iced coffees, lattes and teas aside, Sneaky Beans offers a great list of smoothies to boot. Strawberry, peach pear, butternut squash and green tea are among the varieties, mixed by their baristas. Creative twists on old favorites, like mango chai, can also be made – just ask for ideas. The base is 100 percent all-natural crushed fruit blend (vitamins and protein can be added, too) that is as creamy smooth and delicious as any milkshake out there. Or, try the “Sneaky B,” a vanilla and caramel frappe.

3. Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor Street)

The dessert menu is a lengthy one at this pizza joint and there is also a scoop shop in the back. Kids climb upon step stools to watch the scoopers fill their cups with an ever-changing array of Blue Bunny flavors, complete with a topping station. Add to that milkshakes, malts and floats, and we’re only partially through. Sal & Mookie’s original creations include the brownie sundae (above), ice cream cookie sandwiches and a pecan bar a la Mode.

4. Brent’s (655 Duling Avenue)

Ice cream is a longtime favorite of this 65-year-old, recently remodeled soda fountain. An after-school hot spot, the turquoise boomerang counter is a gathering spot to watch “soda jerks” as they craft their concoctions. Pick the classic chocolate, vanilla or strawberry shake or malt or newfangled favorites like Nutella Peanut Butter.

5. Cups, an Espresso Cafe (2757 Old Canton Road)

Open their regular hours while undergoing a head-to-toe remodel, Cups, 25 years strong, offers a creative variety of iced coffee beverages including their popular espresso-based slushy, the Granita (house espresso, milk, and sugar combined and frozen, pictured above). But for the non-coffee drinker, try a Spritzer, an old-fashioned soda made with your choice of all-natural syrups or an Italian Creme Soda that begins with a syrup of choice but adds half and half and a dollop of whipped cream. And new this year, nitro brew coffee is on tap – and their Blondie is a favorite.

6. Fondren Fro-Yo (2951 Old Canton Road)

Since we first compiled our “sweet spots” list in July 2015, the newest kid on the block has come along – and come along strong! Fondren Fro-Yo, opened by Anthony Ritter, offers an every two-week revolving kaleidoscope of flavors – from traditional vanilla, chocolate and strawberry – to cake batter, sea salt pretzel and mango sorbet. Fresh fruit toppings, candy and crumbles of cones, cereal and more – plus a ton of flavored sauces – make this a must-enjoy on a super regular basis (sold by the ounce, so don’t let your eyes get ahead of your stomach – or wallet)!