Viva Pops, San Diego

After my lunch at Urban Solace with Lisa, we drove a few blocks north to check out her new popsicle shop called Viva Pops. Lisa is putting the final touches on the store, and plans to officially open at the end of June. Be sure to check their website regularly for the official grand opening date.

***[Updated Aug 29 '09] They are officially open, and have been for a little while. Go check it out!***

Viva Pops focuses on gourmet organic popsicles that are inspired by the fruity and colorful Mexican paletas. Most of the ingredients are sourced from local farmers, and for this reason, Viva Pops' flavors change with the seasons.

Lucky for me, I got to have a sneak peek before the grand opening. I had fun checking out the new space, and even got to help pick the exterior design of the store.

When you first walk in, you can't help but be taken aback by the beautiful and colorful mural covering the left side of the wall. The mural was designed by three very talented San Diegan artists Crol, Geral, Werc. If you look closely, you'll notice that the popsicle theme is brilliantly illustrated throughout the mural. The flowers patterns are made of little popsicles, and the entire mural background is a giant yellow melting popsicle (pictured in title photo).

Crol, Geral, Werc (Photo Courtesy of Lisa Altmann)

As for the woman behind the pops, Lisa is a very positive and dedicated woman who is currently juggling multiple design projects on top of opening her own store. She had to learn everything about opening a new business from scratch, and with hard work and perseverance, the store will be opening much faster than originally expected.

After checking out her digs, Lisa whipped out a few popsicles for me to try:

The first was her new tangy apricot lemongrass pop. This was absolutely awesome, and is my favorite by far. It was full of flavor, and was tangy like the name implies.

Tangy Apricot Lemongrass Popsicle

The next pop we tried was the peach ginger. The ginger really added a nice and unique taste to this pop.

Peach Ginger Popsicle

Next was the blood orange pop. I didn't love this popsicle at first, but after a few bites, something hit me over the head, and I fell in love.

Blood Orange Popsicle

The last flavor was strawberry basil. This is a pop packed with fruit, and the basil really complemented the strawberry flavor.

Strawberry Basil Popsicle

Once we were done, Lisa collected the popsicle sticks, and revealed that she recycles all her used sticks by donating them to The Rare Hare Studio next door. It is a wonderful art studio for kids and families, but what makes this place so special is that all their art materials are recycled. Check out this robot made of old Illy coffee cans:

Illy Coffee Robot

Viva Pops also caters to large group functions, and have served at parties and weddings.
If you want a chance to win some free gourmet pops, suggest a new pop star flavor at this link. If your recipe is successful, you not only get bragging rights, but a box of pops will be sent to you as a thank you gift.

Viva Pops was also recently chosen as a staff pick by VegNews magazine.

***[Updated July 21 '09] Viva Pops was recently reviewed in the July-Aug 2009 edition of VegNews Magazine and was selected as the panel favorite. Check it out at this link.***

Viva Pops will continue selling their pops at the Little Mercato Italy Market every Saturday between 9:00 - 1:30 pm, and every Sunday at the Cedros Market at Solana Beach between 2:00 - 5:00 pm.

Viva Pops
3330 Adams Avenue
San Diego, California, USA
Telephone: 619-795-1080