Spring is officially here – yesterday I saw a paleta cart rolling down the sidewalk. Paletas are Mexican popsicles, with either a milk or water base, and they are delicious! While paletas are a common site on the street, they are also sold in most Mexican grocery stores. We recently picked up paletas from a local supermercado, La Huerta (580 S. Randall Rd, St. Charles, IL) in anticipation of the arrival of warm weather. Our all-time favorite place for paletas is Paleteria La Monarca (6955 N Clark St., Chicago, IL), especially their lime flavor.
L picked Mango and Chile variety – the bar was full of fresh mango chunks and a healthy dose of powdered chile – you can really feel the kick at the end. M went for the more conventional chocolate and almond milk-based bar. Think a really tasty version of a pudding pop, with shaved almond bits throughout. Other varieties available included strawberry and tamarind, as well as a melon flavor called “Mamey.” We were initially drawn to the brand because of its colorful butterfly packaging, a theme also present at La Monarca. Apparently Michoacan is a common name for paleta companies, and the unconfirmed home of the paleta is located in the Mexican State of the same name.
Eating The World 
You must try La Plaza Paleteria. It’s the real deal. It’s out somewhere on Cicero, but I’d definitely say it’s at least 30min detour-worthy.