Tonight Bobby Flay was in my old stopping grounds of Nashville, TN for a frigid Throwdown.  Paletas is the Spanish word for ice pops.  Las Paletas specializes in these frozen treats and is owned by sisters Irma and Norma Paz.  I once asked Bobby what his guilty pleasure was and said, “Ice cream.”  Talk about having your Paletas and eating it too.

Although Las Paletas wasn’t there when I lived in Nashvegas I know exactly where it its.  I used to work at a bakery right across the street and some good friends of mine used to live about two blocks away.  It is in one of those neighborhoods that was being rescued from the drug dealers and prostitutes.  The reclamation was well under way when I moved ten years ago so I can only imagine that the neighborhood is glorious now.  The episode was filmed at Fido in nearby Hillsboro Village which seperates the glitz of Music Row from the pomp of Vanderbilt University.

Las Paletas is all the rage in Music City these days.  Here are a few reviews I found:

• There should be a 12-step program for those of us recovering from Las Paletas addictions. I’m not sure how I lived here nearly five years and never found this place until I recently drove by and noticed the quirky architecture of the building that houses Las Paletas. The building gives you an idea of what you’re in for once you go in because these are no ordinary popsicles. They are amazingly fresh, and the assortment of flavors can be mind-bogglingly strange but wonderful. All of my experiences at Las Paletas have been great.

• You just don’t find a better popsicle. Period. Whether it’s traditional cookies n’ cream or the exotic Chocolate Wasabi, it’s all good! And at just $2.50 a pop, who can resist? Seriously, awesome. Period.

• My boyfriend swears by the hibiscus and the Mexican caramel; I prefer the basil and mixed berry varieties. And all of the fruit pops are light, delicate, and delicious, with big chunks of fresh fruit.

So the next time business or leisure takes you to Nashville venture a little south of town and visit the sisters at Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles at 2907 12th Ave S.  They’re good enough to take Bobby Flay in a Throwdown.