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<p>If sugar were a religion, Powell’s Sweet Shoppe would be its caramel-laden, rainbow-sprinkled, marshmallow-stuffed Mecca. While downtown La Jolla parking can be more maddening than gum on the shoe and the store’s close quarters are impeded by kids hopped up on Pop Rocks, the trek is soon forgotten ‘mdash; whether at first bite of gelato or at first lick of a Bit o’ Honey lolli, Powell’s is a haven for any self-confessed sweet tooth. Even when it dawns on you, post tummyache, that you spent a week’s paycheck on gumdrops, there’s nothing so blissful as a few sugary seconds to invoke the days of swing sets and simple pleasures. </p>
<p> Though Powell’s is a relatively new franchise with over 15 California locations, there’s something authentically, singularly retro about the Technicolor funhouse, with its creaky wooden shelving, gigantic barrels and secret, multisized drawers, all boasting candy strata from decades past. The store samples from every childhood ‘mdash; Grandma’s Zagnut bars (peanut butter crammed with toasted coconut and smothered in chocolate), Aunt Maude’s candy cigarettes, wax lips, Bottle Caps, Zebra gum, those nasty little pink-and-blue buttons, bonbons and gummies in all flavors imaginable ‘mdash; the list is head-numbingly, decadently endless.</p>
<p> Of course, there’s a lot of Powell’s bulk that doesn’t merit boasting; a third of the goodies are appealingly unwrapped versions of grocery-store norms ‘mdash; Mike ‘n’ Ikes, Red Vines, sour rings ‘mdash; at around twice the price. And with glittering walls of gemlike jelly beans and M’amp;Ms, it’s hard to resist stocking up on predictable favorites. But save your money for the best treat Powell’s has to offer: its lip-smacking, every-last-spoonful luscious gelato. A small cup costs just under a Lincoln, but the fist-sized portion is so dense with soft, buttery gobs of cream that even economic deficit can’t stop La Jollans from lining out the door. After shamelessly sampling the Limon cello poppyseed and a dozen others, I decided on half peanut-butter cup (the counter lady’s favorite) and half creme brulee (my favorite). FYI, those Student Saver books have a coupon for one free serving ‘mdash; start collecting.</p>
<p> While the vintage aesthetic at Powell’s is somewhat compromised by its flatscreen TV (playing Willy Wonka on repeat) and the gag-gift merchandise, the appeal is overwhelming ‘mdash; an acid-trip sprawl of what we can only assume to be magic. It’s almost too overwhelming for the first timer, with screaming tots, clattering bins and a chocolaty must pervading the room’s every corner: But don’t turn back. After all, the hunt for that irresistibly nostalgic treasure is part of the fun ‘mdash; just make sure to pack some emergency Tums for the ride home.</p>
<p> Powell’s Sweet Shoppe<br /> 1000 Prospect St.<br /> La Jolla, Calif. 92037<br /> (858) 459-4421</p>
<p>” />#1.1569332:369695428.jpg:022309sweets2::</p>
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<p><p>If sugar were a religion, Powell’s Sweet Shoppe would be its caramel-laden, rainbow-sprinkled, marshmallow-stuffed Mecca. While downtown La Jolla parking can be more maddening than gum on the shoe and the store’s close quarters are impeded by kids hopped up on Pop Rocks, the trek is soon forgotten ‘mdash; whether at first bite of gelato or at first lick of a Bit o’ Honey lolli, Powell’s is a haven for any self-confessed sweet tooth. Even when it dawns on you, post tummyache, that you spent a week’s paycheck on gumdrops, there’s nothing so blissful as a few sugary seconds to invoke the days of swing sets and simple pleasures. </p>
<p> Though Powell’s is a relatively new franchise with over 15 California locations, there’s something authentically, singularly retro about the Technicolor funhouse, with its creaky wooden shelving, gigantic barrels and secret, multisized drawers, all boasting candy strata from decades past. The store samples from every childhood ‘mdash; Grandma’s Zagnut bars (peanut butter crammed with toasted coconut and smothered in chocolate), Aunt Maude’s candy cigarettes, wax lips, Bottle Caps, Zebra gum, those nasty little pink-and-blue buttons, bonbons and gummies in all flavors imaginable ‘mdash; the list is head-numbingly, decadently endless.</p>
<p> Of course, there’s a lot of Powell’s bulk that doesn’t merit boasting; a third of the goodies are appealingly unwrapped versions of grocery-store norms ‘mdash; Mike ‘n’ Ikes, Red Vines, sour rings ‘mdash; at around twice the price. And with glittering walls of gemlike jelly beans and M’amp;Ms, it’s hard to resist stocking up on predictable favorites. But save your money for the best treat Powell’s has to offer: its lip-smacking, every-last-spoonful luscious gelato. A small cup costs just under a Lincoln, but the fist-sized portion is so dense with soft, buttery gobs of cream that even economic deficit can’t stop La Jollans from lining out the door. After shamelessly sampling the Limon cello poppyseed and a dozen others, I decided on half peanut-butter cup (the counter lady’s favorite) and half creme brulee (my favorite). FYI, those Student Saver books have a coupon for one free serving ‘mdash; start collecting.</p>
<p> While the vintage aesthetic at Powell’s is somewhat compromised by its flatscreen TV (playing Willy Wonka on repeat) and the gag-gift merchandise, the appeal is overwhelming ‘mdash; an acid-trip sprawl of what we can only assume to be magic. It’s almost too overwhelming for the first timer, with screaming tots, clattering bins and a chocolaty must pervading the room’s every corner: But don’t turn back. After all, the hunt for that irresistibly nostalgic treasure is part of the fun ‘mdash; just make sure to pack some emergency Tums for the ride home.</p>
<p> Powell’s Sweet Shoppe<br /> 1000 Prospect St.<br /> La Jolla, Calif. 92037<br /> (858) 459-4421</p>
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