The end of August and beginning of September hit southern California, specifically Bolsa Grande here without its AC, with much heat and cries for ways to cool down. What better solution to such weather issues than the creation that opened in Bolsa's unofficial "plaza" of food places on the corner of Deodara Drive and Westminster Avenue- Kups!
Since its opening just before school officially began in September, Kups has been a definite hot spot for many of us Matadors. As soon as that 6th period bell rings, students are often seen forming a bee line to the new little shop. Especially on Tuesdays, when Kups has its $2 Tuesday deal, one better hustle over to beat the line. Even now as the end of October nears, Kups has still kept its consistent bustling of customers. What attracts people to go there so often to make Kups the perfect little creation for Bolsa? Well, for one point, it is certainly more than the fact that students receive discounts when presenting their student ID. I found out myself after making several consecutive visits to the hot spot.
Kups' soothing vibes surely add to a great experience with their ice treats. When I first went to Kups, I was immediately attracted to their great deal of flavors in terms of Italian ice, ranging from Black Lemonade, Blue Paradise, and Chamoy all the way to your classic fruits or flavors like Root Beer. Despite being excited for such an abundance of flavors however, my first Kups treat was a simple mango order, which consisted of classic mango Italian ice with vanilla custard at the bottom. Although just a simple one fruit flavor, I found the treat to be quite refreshing and rather addicting, with how well the Kups' ice mixes in with the creamy custard. Needless to say, I certainly visited many more times after to get the simple mango order and to also be adventurous in trying Kups' more unique "Kreations."
One special Kreation in particular that I have seen being instagrammed many times and have especially enjoyed was the Chamoy Ice. This consists of the regular custard and any two ice flavors you can select to your liking, with strawberry and mango being the recommended pairing. What makes it unique is the chamoy and tajin added on the whole Kreation at the end. The taste was quite sour at first, but once one gets past the first couple scoops of getting used to the tangy taste of chamoy and tajin sprinkled on top, the Italian ice mixture was definitely delicious in its blend. Other well known favorites I have yet to try but have heard great reviews from fellow classmates and peers include the Bomb Pomp (lemon, cherry, blue raspberry), the Strawberry Cheesecake, the Thaichata, and the Sunrise.
What makes up a great bustling hot spot is not just tasty treats however, but also great service and hospitality. Owners David and Yen Nguyen are certainly quite an unforgettable pair. As the owners,they are very directly active in being involved with their business. Instead of sitting back and letting the employees do all the hands on work, the couple is often seen working behind the counters, taking orders, and making the ice or drink themselves. What's even more remarkable is their ability to remember names! If you visit more than once and have a chat with either, don't be surprised to be greeted by your first name the next time. Their staff, not to be forgotten, is also an integral part that add to the welcoming and friendly service. Their intermittent smiles and "Hi there! I hope you're enjoying the ice!" and "How's it going? How's the ice for you today?" make a customer's visit pleasant and welcoming. Not only that, the whole Kups staff is friendly and especially encouraging when you order their drinks and ask for special requests. After visits with the yearbook staff to order the classic Arnold Palmer slushies replaced with their unique ice flavors, David and his staff were very entertained and pleased by the fact that we were creating our own secret menu.
In short, Kups is definitely a positive and quite refreshing addition to the well known Bolsa Grande "plaza." With a hospitable and energetic staff and a relaxing vibe, Kups is a nice treat to stop by and enjoy to refresh oneself, whether it be simply to cool off, relax from the stress, or to create new blends and drinks.