View Full Version : Paleteria or frozen Mexican treats (those carts w/the bells you see)


Sweet Willie
Sep 16, 02, 3:41 pm
I’ve always been intrigued by the mostly Hispanic men pushing the carts (or riding the bike w/the cart attached) ringing the bells and hawking frozen sweet treats.

I was raised on Good Humor so how good could these treats actually be? I’ve always thought.

One was passing by our work and I flagged him down. He did not speak any English and I do not speak Spanish, but the common language of food prevailed as he proceded to show me what he had. Lots of fruit flavored frozen treats on a stick. Mango, guava, banana and the one I choose “Coco Leche” or coconut milk. He had a frozen coconut water treat, but the assumed creamy texture of the leche called out to me.

I opened my wallet and asked how much, he said one dollar (ahhh so he does speak a little English ! http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/wink.gif ).

This was one of the best frozen treats I have had. A silky cool treat that had shreds of coconut in it. YUM YUM!

I thought is was well worth the $1.

Later in the day I was heading north on Clark after eating a Peruvian meal when I noticed a storefront w/ “La Monarca” (you know Monarch butterfly), which was the brand on the cart that I had purchased the coco leche from.

I stopped in, the store is filled w/spare carts, bikes and about 8 large floor freezers. I mentioned my addiction coco leche and he led me to one of the freezers and opened it. There was probably 200 bars in the freezer. I was close to work, so I asked for 10, he said for 50 cents more I could make it a dozen. Wow what a deal $6.50 for a dozen of some of the most refreshing treats I’ve had.

I urge you to try these tasty treats sometime either from one of the cart vendors or from the store which is about one mile south of the border of Evanston and Chicago.

La Monarca
6955 N. Clark
Chicago, IL
Phone: 773.274.6394

Sweet Willie
Feb 19, 03, 2:09 pm
Had a jonesen for one of these and stopped by the store, FYI it is closed http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/frown.gif

I noticed that the other treat maker further south on Clark was closed as well.

I assume that they will reopen once glorious spring arrives.

Sweet Willie
Apr 28, 03, 12:35 pm
THEY'RE BACK!!!! It must be spring.

The guy already knows if he rings the bell long enough outside my office, I will
come out and purchase a delicious coco leche.
Those darned bells! http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/smile.gif

korea71
Apr 28, 03, 2:11 pm
They also cruise by my store several times a day on Lawrence. I will have to try one soon.

korea71
Apr 28, 03, 6:23 pm
My dog and I had one of the coconut ones today. I think he liked it more than I did. Coconut pieces were flying all over the place. Will have to try some new flavors. Still a dollar.