I asked the customer how long the Ting family had owned Treats & Sweets, which has locations in Kahului and Wailuku. He really thought about the question.
“Probably the early 50’s,” he finally said. “I don’t remember when it wasn’t around.”
Treats & Sweets used to be Dairy Queen. Though it has a new name, I still call it by the former. The two locations look almost the same as they did when I was a kid.
They still have two windows, one for ordering and one for pick up. The building is still white and red. The front of the shop is still covered in colorful pictures of the many treats, sweets and bentos they offer. I remember being a kid and gazing at all pictures of the ice cream covered in syrupy yummieness.
I used to go with my grandparents for chocolate dipped cones or ice cream covered in peanut brittle. That was my favorite. I’ve also eaten thousands of French fries there. The fries are amazing and addicting–thick crinkle fries that come with a delicious mix of mustard and mayo.
I went to high school at St. Anthony, which is very close to the Wailuku Treats & Sweets. Almost everyday after school we’d walk over before track practice for something cool to drink. My favorite has always been the slush, served with a dollop of soft serve floating in it. I like mine unblended–a slushie float. My favorite flavor was grape, but the strawberry is really good, too. Slushies are also available in vanilla, cherry, banana and li hing mui.
In fact, in high school I loved what was then “Dairy Queen” so much that I secretly plotted to marry “The Heir” to the sweet shop so that I could enjoy eternal access to its unlimited goodies. And while “The Heir” and I were in the same class, it never happened. We never even went out, but I seriously considered the possibility. We still see each other now and then, and I’m still waiting for my free Blizzard.
Mmm… Blizzards. Who can pass up ice cream blended with chocolate, nuts and candy? My brother’s favorite was always Rocky Road: marshmallows, chocolate chips and Mac nuts. Personally, I like the peanut butter cup.
The sundaes are huge, and usually come with the classic cherry on top and the banana splits are totally and completely awesome. If ice cream isn’t on your mind (which is really sad), perhaps some fresh Maui malasadas with a cappuccino will hit the spot.
Besides sweet stuff, Treats and Sweets offers a large variety of plate lunches and bentos like breaded teriyaki, ribs, hamburger steak, chicken curry, chili and sweet and sour spareribs. They also serve burgers and hotdogs.
I’ve had the Korean style chowfun, which is spicy and awesome, and they serve saimin, dry mein and soup daily. If it’s a local favorite, they probably have it.
The best thing about Treats & Sweets is that it’s been a family favorite since my father was a boy and it’s cool that my daughter gets to experience the same stuff with him in the same locations.
Maybe, just maybe, “The Heir” will have a kid that will marry my kid. Perhaps there’s still hope for me after all. MTW
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