Arlin, Claudia, Hector, and The Paleta Bar

Location: The Paleta Bar, Albuquerque, NM

People: Arlin, Claudia, and Hector 

Dessert: Gold Bar

When the hot day caused the ice cream bar to start dripping onto my fist, I knew it was time stop taking pictures and start eating. In my hand, I held a popsicle called the “Gold Bar” from what I believe to be the best ice cream place in my hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico—The Paleta Bar. This name originates from the Spanish word for “ice pop,” a nod to New Mexico’s Hispanic roots.

This was, in fact, my second visit to this establishment and I got the newest flavor, a combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and waffle cone bits. This was the base of the popsicle, and I was left to decide on the coating. Seeing that I was struggling with this choice, the woman who was helping me, Arlin, recommended a dip in dark chocolate and a roll in chopped pistachios. I happily agreed to this suggestion.

The Paleta Bar is brand new to the Albuquerque area, having opened only nine months ago. Despite the relative novelty of this dessert place, it had quickly become a huge hit and the owners are therefore in the process of opening two more locations locally. 

This original location was small, with only a few tables and a couch. After enduring the sweltering heat of New Mexico summers while taking pictures outside the shop, I made my way to a table by the wall, precariously carrying my Gold Bar in a small cardboard container resembling something you would eat curly fries out of at a carnival. This unique plate only added to my experience.

I took my first bite of the Gold Bar, and what struck me most was the persistent crunch that followed my teeth all the way from the outer shell to the inner ice cream, due to the pistachios and the waffle cone pieces. Another highlight of the Gold Bar was the peanut butter ice cream, a factor that took this dessert to the next level.

After licking the popsicle stick clean, I walked back up to Arlin to tell her how perfect her dark chocolate and pistachio suggestion really was. Soon, the conversation meandered towards Arlin’s life. She was born and raised here in Albuquerque and has been working at The Paleta Bar since January. Arlin loves being an employee here because of how kind and amazing the owners are. Growing up, she dreamed of moving to California, but decided to put that on hold while she raises her seven-month-old baby boy. Soon after we started talking, two of Arlin’s friends and coworkers—Claudia and Hector—joined her. Beaming with pride, Claudia and Hector told me that Arlin is incredibly outgoing and talks to anyone and everyone.

To my delight, I also got to know Hector and Claudia quite well. Claudia’s most distinguishing quality is her ability to put others at ease through her trustworthy nature. She is easy to talk to and is incredibly nice. My favorite thing about Hector is his passion for dancing. The girls chimed in and added that Hector not only loves to dance, but is also amazing at it. They also claim that he is hardworking, but lazy when he wants to be. What surprised me the most was that Arlin, Claudia, and Hector haven’t known each other for more than a few months, but already seem like family in the way they talk to one another. This realization paired with the deliciousness of the Gold Bar, made for an unforgettable experience and assured that I would be returning to The Paleta Bar many times over the summer.

Until next time, here’s to inside-and-out crunch, future California adventures, friendly faces, and of course, wild dancing,

Anokhi