Dave’s Gourmet Paletas

Nearly everyone at Fairfield has tasted the pure sweetness of the many well known treats served by Milkcraft, 16 Handles and Sunny Daes, but not many people know that there is a new hidden gem in town: Dave’s Gourmet Paletas! This relatively new dessert shop is located right in the heart of Fairfield and I’m here to tell you that it’s definitely worth a trip!

First of all, you can’t miss it! This past weekend, I was able to visit Dave’s Gourmet Paletas for the first time and was immediately impressed by the colorful and unique sign displayed on top. I was also taken aback by the cute, little bench that was outside of the door and appeared to have a scene from a town painted on it. 

Walking through the doors, the same fun and bright atmosphere is carried out. The tile floors look like white and grey flowers and the back wall is a bright red!

Aside from the aesthetic appeal from such a warm and fun atmosphere, located just six doors down from the famed Colony Grill, its destination is perfect for Fairfield University students who utilize the Stag Bus as transportation. The bus stop is merely a two minute walk away, if even that!

Now, you may be wondering to yourself, “well, what even is a paleta?” I had this same thought when I was first approached by an employee in town who handed my friend and I a business card, which was fortunately redeemable for a free paleta there.  I had absolutely no idea what the dessert was. Now, I could not be more excited to share what I’ve learned!

A paleta is a Mexican frozen treat that resembles the frozen ice cream pops popular amongst kids. The best part is that paletas can be eaten guilt-free; they are made from fresh, natural ingredients and with zero preservatives or chemicals. If you’re like me and have quite the sweet tooth, Dave’s Gourmet Paletas is the perfect place to have your sugar craving quenched in a more healthy but still delicious way!

Sophomore student Luiza Sperling says, “What I liked most about the paleta was that it was different from the ice cream that I would usually buy; the toppings were fresh, one look at them and your mouth would start to water.” 

Sperling continued, saying “In comparison to the pre-made sweets I’m used to eating, Dave’s Paletas had real and delicious flavors.”

Dave’s Gourmet Paleta’s currently offers about twenty flavors of these delicious pop treats, including gluten free, dairy free and vegan options. I was completely amazed by the flavors offered; the ones that stood out to me the most are “Lavender Honey,” “Strawberries n Cream,” “Apple Cider” and “Pumpkin Spice!” Of course they also had the classic flavors of “Chocolate,” “Cookies n Cream” and “Coffee.”  

Once you choose your flavor, you are offered different flavors of coating that you can either dip or drizzle. Chocolate, chocolate hazelnut, fluff, butterscotch and caramel are the provided choices. Then, after your paleta has been successfully dipped or drizzled, you can choose from a variety of toppings! Oreo pieces, chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, sprinkles and fresh coconut shavings are only a few of the toppings you can pick to complement your chosen paleta favor. 

The paleta itself is $5.50, with an additional $0.50 extra for each dip and topping chosen. For a college student trying to handle their money wisely, this is a pretty good price for the amount and high quality you get in addition to a healthier dessert alternative. 

Stopping in for a quick treat this past weekend with a couple of my friends, I decided to try the “Cookies and Cream” paleta, drizzled with the chocolate hazelnut dip and topped with both oreo pieces and chocolate jimmies. It was absolutely delicious! The dip was my favorite part but the creaminess of the paleta itself was just as wonderful. 

Sophomore student Joseph Westhoff, who came with me this past weekend, tried the “Strawberry Filled” flavor. He shares that it “was really good and they had a really nice variety of flavors and toppings. The ‘Strawberry Filled’ was great with the chocolate hazelnut dip!”

I highly recommend this new and lovely dessert place for anyone in the mood for a treat! You will definitely not be disappointed and there’s something for everyone.