Sweets from the sky, made by hand

A recent summer day was so hot, even The Sun needed a break. So we stopped by Cielito – “Sweets From the Sky” Ice Cream and Café — in the Springs, just off of Highway 12 in the new Vailetti Plaza.

Jacqueline Ulloa, manager and co-owner was there, behind the counter eager to serve up one of the many, many all-original, fresh-made frozen treat creations. Spacious, modern and very neat, the new shop serves beverages and other food items. With a very fancy espresso machine in full view, it’s a comfortable place to gather for coffee, too. 

The reviews on Yelp and Facebook have been raves, mostly five stars. (The açaí and pitaya bowl as well as the Bionico are faves.)

One very pleased customer is Catherine Sevenau. I love their Mexican chocolate ice cream and fruit sorbets,” she said. “The Churros were fine. But I’m not really a donut person, she added. And it has been too hot this summer for the hot chocolate.”

Cielito officially opened over seven months ago. Along with Noble Yoga, Operation Bicycle, and Credit Union, the new Vailetti Plaza is full. And there’s plenty of parking. 

Sevenau includes Cielito on her list of places to eat and bring friends. Although she admitted she hasn’t brought the grandkids yet. But they will be making a visit soon.  As she said, “the Churros were fine. But I’m not really a donut person, she added. And it has been too hot this summer for the hot chocolate.”

 When The Sun made a visit, this reporter wanted to try the hand-dipped ice cream bar on a stick, rolled in nuts, like those ‘Eskimo Pies’ I recall from childhood. “We are working on making a vegan version of these,” said Ulloa.

 Cielito’s version of a fresh-made vanilla ice cream on a stick, dipped in rich chocolate and rolled in lots and lots of nuts is very gratifying. It brought back memories of the hand-dipped ones that the County Fair would have every summer. “I am dying to try one,” said Sevenau when I told her how much I enjoyed the concoction.

Several patrons mentioned that Cielito and the establishing of Vailetti is a nice alternative to the Plaza in downtown Sonoma. “They are friendly, the place is clean and bright, and easy parking in the back,” Sevenau said. “I like them on Facebook all the time. I am always wanting to support new businesses.”

And, yes, Cielito is open for breakfast. For Springs locals, it’s proving to be a popular place to have coffee besides the routine of Starbucks and Peet’s. Fresh fruit with yogurt for breakfast is always a delicious start for the day, and Cielito makes its own. 

Cielito, 205 Nino Marco Square. Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Facebook, or 707.343.7330.

— Jonathan Farrell