Students normally venture to Little Rock to shop at stores other than Wal-Mart, get a burrito at Chipotle and catch a movie. For those looking to spice up their Little Rock routine, there is a frozen treasure hidden just off the beaten path.
Le Pops, located at 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd., is a shop that specializes in making “gourmet iced lollies” (in other words – gourmet, homemade popsicles). When I first heard of Le Pops I questioned the necessity of such a place, but as soon as I walked in and spoke with the friendly owner, Laurie Harrison, I began to understand the simple joy that can be found in a well-made popsicle.
The inside of the shop gives off a summer vibe from the minute the door is opened. A muted light-green paint coats a couple of the walls, the mix-matched tables and chairs offer plenty of comfortable seating and the natural light flowing in through the floor-to-ceiling windows gives the place a soft feel.
All of the pops are handmade with local fruits and natural ingredients. They offer two different types of pops — cream and ice. Within those two categories, there are multiple flavors such as salted caramel, strawberry, orange cream, lime sorbet and more. In frozen yogurt shop fashion, the customers have different dipping and topping options.
A friend and I went to the shop, walked in, ordered and were handed our pops right away. Harrison served us and spoke of the importance of using natural ingredients found locally. Their slogan, “Handmade in the Natural State,” was clearly important to her and the way she runs her business.
I had the orange ice pop and could taste the freshness from the first bite to the last. It had a full, rich texture and a bold flavor. I immediately knew this pop was different than the treats made in a factory and sold in grocery stores or gas stations. My friend ordered the salted caramel cream pop and was pleased with it. She said it was smooth, rich and tasted like a colder version of caramel candy.
The pops are $3.27 including tax, which may seem a little steep, but remember that they are all handmade with local ingredients, so the money is helping support local businesses and farmers. To welcome the warm weather, they are now offering shaved ice with handmade syrup.
Le Pops is open noon-6 p.m. on Sunday, noon-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon-9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information visit www.lepops.com.
