Chill out with frozen treats from Fat Face

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Maile Levi, a graduate from SCC’s nursing program gets surprised from the explosion of flavor from a hibiscus mint grape popsicle.

Jesse Charlton

Homemade popsicles that explode real fruits and spices into your mouth like a Capri Sun ad – does that sound good? Never before have Sacramentans had the opportunity to enjoy the likes of Fat Face’s great food and desserts.

Fat Face is a cafe located inside the boutique Bows and Arrows, a nifty, little shop on 21st and S streets. Fat Face has been here since June 4 since moving from its original location in Davis.

Fat Face is a fairly small cafe, relying on four workers, one of which is owner Jaymes Luu. Despite being a small operation, it has continuously grown from the little popsicle stand started in 2005 by Luu.

Over the years, there have been numerous popsicle flavors, but there is a limit to how many are available at a time.  Strawberry rhubarb tasted like fairies making love in my mouth. The mixture of sweet strawberries and the tanginess of rhubarb – real rhubarb – was nothing short of incredible.

Thai iced tea-sweet potato teleports the brain to tantric islands full of cream and sugar pools. The popsicles taste genuine because they are genuinely made, with actual strawberries and full-fat cream and not a drop of high fructose corn syrup – all this for the low, low price of $3. A McDonald’s employee makes that much on his or her smoke break, so go get some. 

If the above-par popsicles and food are not enough for you to enjoy, let the decor speak for itself, like it did for Sacramento resident Reime Diva.

“It incorporates a lot of different elements … cool music, art space, open space patio in the back with lots of plants,” Diva said. “It reminds me of my grandparents house – (very) ‘60s. They serve beer and wine which is very cool. I love the green crushed velvet chairs in the corner.”

It is like a swanky dinner party. Hugh Hefner would definitely approve, and so would the Bunnies.

Outside is a whole different environment: quieter and more relaxing. It is a good place to have a conversation and a drink with a special friend, maybe even read a book. Could students get serious studying done here? No. There are too many distractions, what with the customers talking and the art on the walls, which draws attention. However, it is a great chance to check that philosophy homework block and soak in the local culture.  Bottom line, it is better than playing World of Warcraft online for 12 hours straight.     

Do not get confused trying to find this place. The sign says Bows and Arrows, but in the back it is the Fat Face cafe. Try a popsicle, sit back, relax and enjoy.

Jesse Charlton can be reached at [email protected].