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I scream, you scream—it’s summer, come on—and there’s almost nothing better than icicles swirling around our mouths.
We have been covered when it comes to ice cream, gelato, açai bowls, custard and Italian ice, but now Southwest Florida has its first craft popsicle and bubble tea emporium. You'll find Friddu in the quirky, artsy fishing village of Matlacha on the road to Pine Island.
The colorful pops come in a rainbow of grown-up flavors, with a jam-packed, ever-changing chalkboard listing the day’s offerings, such as raspberry basil, blood orange vanilla, and chocolate laced with rosemary-infused olive oil and sea salt. Many incorporate herbs or pieces of fresh fruit, and sweeteners are limited to raw sugar and honey. The teas, which are more like juices and smoothies with big chewy tapioca balls bobbing around called “boba,” also represent a kaleidoscope, with lychee, blueberry matcha, piña colada, peach and more—plus, you can request “bursting boba” (with fruit juice housed inside) for an uptick of $1, and they even make mocha frappuccinos with boba.
The shop debuted this spring, and for an unexpected yet refreshingly sweet kick to your day, it’s worth a detour past the eastern reach of Cape Coral for a lick of summer on a stick.
To plan a visit:
Friddu Gourmet Pops and Bubble Tea
4547 Pine Island Road, Suite C, Matlacha
(239) 669-6291
Open daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.