Rexburg’s Treat Sweet Co. puts the flavor in fair-inspired food

REXBURG — Treat Sweet Co. is a newly established restaurant at the Wolfe It Down Rexburg Food Court that combines the aroma of fried fair food with the popping colors of Japanese treats.

Sure to be the next place to satisfy a sugar tooth or take a date, the restaurant, run by manager Sarah Vitali, was founded with the clear goal of making it a place for families and college students alike.

“My husband is the owner of the Kingdom of Pho, and we wanted … people not just to enjoy a dessert but have a fun memory associated with it as well,” Vitali said.

Currently, the only dessert-focused shop in the food court, Treat Sweet Co., offers a unique variety sure to tantalize anyone’s taste buds.

Fruity Fiesta Fried Ice Cream

First thing, from the get-go, I was excited to try the fruity fiesta fried ice cream. Just as the name suggests, this menu item is packed full of fruit. From strawberries, mangos, and a generous coating of fruity pebbles around a scoop of vanilla ice cream, I couldn’t get enough of the gentle sweetness.

Never overpowering, the crunch of the cereal mingled with the smooth texture of the ice cream, giving a new experience to the classic fried ice cream.

The dynamic colors with the promise of popping flavors add to the name as something to celebrate and sink your teeth into.

“We do want this to be a place kids enjoy as well … That’s the one my girls always pick,” Vitali said.

Vitali also likes to keep her customers always at the forefront of her mind. She selects deep-fried ice cream, not only to appeal to younger audiences, but also because it is the kind of treat that can be enjoyed year-round.

The inspiration always goes back to her enjoyment of Asian culture and how each item she has created leads back to something she appreciates about the desserts found in other countries.

“This isn’t Japanese deep-fried ice cream. I wish that it was, but it is something else you find in Asian culture,” Vitali said.

Whether on a rainy day or a hot summer one, this is the kind of dessert I will be coming back for more of.

Mochi Donuts

With round, golden-crusted pastries, I came to expect a fluffy, deeply-fried donut texture. It surprised me when I tried the chewy mochi cookie bites to find a soft, doughy texture that reminded me of a rich dumpling.

Drizzled over with chocolate syrup, bits of Oreo cookie crumble, and, of course, the whipped cream. This dish soared into my top 10 desserts. The mochi was warm and didn’t feel overly filling right away.

“Mochi is a Japanese-American-inspired pastry. It was invented in Hawaii, actually, by a Japanese baker,” Vitali said.

This kind of dessert is a rare find in Rexburg; currently, Treat Sweet Co. is the only known restaurant that offers it. According to Vitali, she hasn’t seen any restaurant as far as Boise and Salt Lake City that sells mochi donuts.

“We wanted to bring this here because there are no mochi donuts here,” Vitali said.

While fruit is a signature for this restaurant, this chocolate dish did not disappoint and I recommend it for any chocolate lover.

The Signature Loaded Funnel Fries

While each item was fun and unique, the sticky mango funnel fries brought a fun twist to a classic fair treat.

Fried foods are all the craze at fairs, but funnel cakes have been a long-standing staple. However, Treat Sweet Co. shook the expectations of this fair classic by adding its own unique touch.

Inspired by the Japanese dessert sticky mango rice, Vitali combined sweetened condensed milk with caramel, mango, and whipped cream to create the signature dish, which is fantastic for sharing among various groups. Big or small.

“That is one of my favorite desserts, but we want ours to be loaded because that’s the theme of all of our dishes,” Vitali said.

Treat Sweet Co. does not hold back on the portions. Served with a heaping portion of mango bits, the fried flavor tasted familiar and comforting before being flipped on its head by the exciting, new flavors of syrup and enriched sweetness from the condensed milk.

Hot and straight from the fryer is the only way to dive into this fantastic dish. Each bite promised me a new experience that fit right in with the friendly, colorful atmosphere of the little restaurant.

Treat Sweet Co. can be found at the Rexburg Wolfe It Down food court located on 250 West Main Street in Rexburg. Open year-round, but current hours are Monday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and closed on Sundays.

For regular updates on hours, menu items, or specials, Treat Sweet Co. can be found on Facebook and Instagram under the tag @treatsweetco.

Whether you are a family, friends, dating, or just want to satisfy a sweet tooth, Treat Sweet Co. offers unique specialties that leave anyone walking away with new memories and shared experiences.

The post Rexburg’s Treat Sweet Co. puts the flavor in fair-inspired food appeared first on East Idaho News.