Minerva Arango
Walking up to El Milagro’s storefront, you might question if you’re in the right place for ice cream.
No images of an inviting cone to let you know what’s inside. Instead, a costumed character peddling insurance stands out front and windows boast mannequins clad in colorful couture.
But “nieves” painted in large letters on the window of this market tells you this is the place. Prepare to indulge in Mexican-style ice cream.
Spanish for snow, this frozen treat is churned by hand, a laborious process that yields a decadently dense dessert. Some nieves are made with milk, others with water; you’re wise to order a double scoop with one of each.
El Milagro’s cold case often reveals a number of unique flavors: tequila, leche quemada (burnt milk), piña con chile (pineapple and chile pepper), guanabana (soursop), tuna (prickly pear). These selections vary frequently and include raspados shaved ice on the weekends and evenpaletas ice pops on occasion.
Scoops are $1 apiece. Make sure to bring cash and brush up on your Spanish.
EL MILAGRO PRODUCTOS OAXAQUEÑOS 1774 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. 583-9713.