The Big Icy: A Snow Cone Via New Orleans

The New Orleans version of the snow cone has turned up in an unlikely place--an industrial stretch of Santa Fe Avenue in South Gate. There, a stand called New Orleans Snoballs dispenses cups of soft crushed ice drenched with syrups that range from exotic tamarind, mango and kiwi-strawberry to old-fashioned vanilla, caramel and cherry and novelties such as bubble gum and cotton candy. For a really cool experience, try a stuffed Snoball composed of vanilla or chocolate ice cream sandwiched between two Snoballs in any flavor you choose.

Snoballs, from 75 cents (small) to $5 (family size) at New Orleans Snoballs, 8714 Santa Fe Ave., South Gate, (323) 357-9799 (closed Mondays).