Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles, on 12th Avenue South

The weirdly wonderful Las Paletas (2907 12th Ave. S, 615-386-2101) has earned a devoted following in Nashville for its downright bizarre, Mexican-style popsicles, which come in a wide range of unexpected flavors, some fruity and sorbet-like, others creamy and more like frozen gelato in consistency. The ambience is off-putting - a dull little sterile counter in a plain-looking building, in the otherwise hip and fun 12th Avenue South neighborhood. The icy treats, however, are magically delicious. The flavors change regularly, but you can get an idea from the photo here of a recent menu - chai tea, avocado (a strange one that inspires a love-or-hate response from most), coffee, spicy chocolate with wasabi, honeydew melon, hibiscus, tamarind, strawberry. The rose petal variety is terrific - tastes like Turkish Delight candy. Las Paletas is close to a number of other cool 12th Avenue South hangouts, including Mirror restaurant, Katy K Designs, Nest Interiors, and Rumours Wine Bar - the exploring along 12th is interesting from about Kirkwood (the cross street for Las Paletas), north to about Linden Avenue or so.