Helado de Maiz

There is a lot to like about the offerings from La Hacienda de San Angel, aside from the fact that it sits on the water overlooking World Showcase Lagoon and has spectacular viewing for IllumiNations. Speaking strictly on the menu there are a multitude of small bites and entrees that are sure to satisfy if you’re craving something from Mexico. Today, however, I want to make a case for saving some room until the end of your meal so that you can sample one of their incredible desserts.

The Helado de Maiz, roughly translated to corn ice cream, is simply too good not to try. I know there are those of you out there right now thinking that as much as you like savory and sweet combos this might be too much for even you to enjoy, but I’m here to tell you that you’re flat out wrong. The menu listing is simple, “corn ice cream served with candied popcorn,” yet that doesn’t tell the whole story. The corn is actually sweet corn, which lends itself more handily to an ice cream. Aside from the candied popcorn, think top-tier Cracker-Jack type popcorn, there is also a tangy chile seasoning that tops the ice cream.

So, what do you end up with in your bowl? Two scoops of cream colored ice cream, complete with bits of sweet corn worked in, a healthy amount of candied popcorn, and the red chile seasoning that pops off of the ice cream, making the overall presentation simple, yet gorgeous. As for the taste, it is mildly sweet, so this isn’t a sugar rush type of ice cream, which is a pleasant surprise and easy on the palate. The hint of the corn plays so well against the tangy and sour flavors of the chile seasoning. If you need that extra kick of sweetness, the candied popcorn has you covered, but it is also great for mixing up the creamy texture of the ice cream with something that has a bit of a crunch. The Helado de Maiz looks terrific and tastes even better.

It’s not often that my favorite item on the menu isn’t an entree, or maybe a well-crafted cocktail, and I’m not sure if that’s not the case for La Hacienda de San Angel either. However, the Helado de Maiz makes a strong and competitive case for being my favorite dish on the menu. Even if it doesn’t turn out to be your go-to menu item, I implore you to make sure you have room at the end of your meal to give this dessert a try.