Margot's Ice Cream Parlor of San Juan Bautista

Ever since I was a kid, a favorite part of life has always been that one thing that can be enjoyed just about anywhere -- whether it's during a fun family outing or just from the comforts of home.  No matter what the occasion, it brings smiles and delight, making even the grumpiest adult feel a bit like a kid again.  What is it?

DESSERT!

Now I'm going to tell you all about the best place to find it in beautiful downtown San Juan Bautista! Look no further than Margot's Ice Cream Parlor, located at 211 3rd Street, smack dab in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of this darling town.  My family loves to spend time there shopping, eating and especially to partake of everything Margot's has to offer.

While Margot's Ice Cream Parlor has been open for business these last 21 years, the story of how she began goes much further back.  For years, she'd been making homemade candy, named Kayla's Kandies for her first daughter, Kayla.  When the opportunity to open her parlor came about, it was the perfect chance to sell her fine chocolates and then some!  Finding a perfect business partner in her mother, Naomi, her dream came true and the doors opened.  During the first year they sold Dreyer's Ice Cream, but then they were approached by a representative of Lappert's Ice Cream, who was eager for them to taste his wares.  When finally they did, it was a no brainer, and for a while they sold both brands until eventually it was just Lappert's.

Lappert's Ice Cream was dreamt up by the late Walter Lappert of Sausalito, California.  His dream was to open a store in Kauai, Hawaii, and so he did!  The company has become a family business, with both his son Michael and now grandson Isaac continuing the tradition of making their ice cream "with all the attention and love you have come to expect from Lappert's Ice Cream, Inc."

One incredible aspect of Lappert's is that not only do they make unique and incredible flavors, with only the finest and natural ingredients, but they're also willing to customize the flavors for resellers like Margot who want to sell something a little more personal.  For instance, Margot makes a delicious candy called Almond Butter Crunch, which is hand dipped in chocolate and tastes amazing.  (Can you tell I'm nibbling some right now??)  Thanks to a suggestion from Lappert's, she also offers Kayla's Almond Crunch Ice Cream, which is a butterscotch ice cream with the incredible candy swirled in.  There are other flavors that she has them tweak a bit, making them unique to her shop only.

Other candy that Margot hand makes and sells in the shop include chocolate dipped apricots, marshmallows and cookies, as well as seven different flavored chocolate truffles.  She has fun changing things up and serving various seasonal items, so you can be sure this is the place to shop for those Easter baskets, Halloween goodies and Christmas stockings!

Espresso drinks and other specialties are available seven days a week, too.  You name it and she probably has it -- milkshakes, malts, floats, splits, and Laurie's Raz Ma Taz, a drink named for her second daughter that helps out in the parlor often.  Margot has also invented a few fun hot/cold drinks that are excellent on an especially chilly day or evening.  Who doesn't love the sound of coffee with a scoop of ice cream in it?!

Last but not least is their special Sunday offering -- home made Pozole that Margot's mom, Naomi, prepares and serves weekly.  It's a spicy soup made with pork and hominy, which you can request to be more or less spicy.  Toppings include onions, cabbage, cilantro and lemon, with corn tortillas on the side. Everything is served as you want it and it is regularly raved about by returning patrons.

My favorite corner at Margot's happens to be called "Katie's Korner," where her sister Katie, who has Downs Syndrome, makes and sells various items throughout the year.  Always there are darling earrings that she designs herself, but sometimes there are hand knit head bands and other "keep warm" items.  She has quite a knack for making beautiful things, and besides all that, is a wonderful person to know.  I'm always sure I'll get a joyful hello and smile when I see her.

Margot and her employees regularly give back and support many groups, knowing that philanthropy is an important part of being involved in your community.  And so it should come as no surprise that the parlor is being recognized this weekend (January 27, 2018) by the San Benito Chamber of Commerce.  Margot's Ice Cream Parlor is being awarded as a Business of the Year, for which Margot is extremely honored and thrilled.

Now that you're wondering when you can plan your first or next trip to San Juan, make sure you drop by Margot's Ice Cream Parlor.  Enjoy some ice cream (I highly recommend any of the 32 flavors, but especially Kauai Pie, Bing Cherry, Peppermint, Rum Raisin or the famous Kayla's Almond Crunch), taste some fine chocolate, sip a coffee and absolutely say hello to this lovely lady!  She loves what she does and she's passionate about doing it well.  We're all a little better off having some part of Margot in our lives!












My visit was not hosted and all opinions are my own.