July is National Ice Cream Month, and this July is a hot one. Temperatures are crossing well over 100 degrees most days. Staying cool seems impossible with how hot Houston is. Many of you are looking for the nearest frozen treat shop in this sweltering heat. Look no further because I want to introduce you to the "Dopest Frozen Treat Shop in Texas," Chill Works!

Chill Works is a black-owned frozen treat shop in the historical Third Ward area near the University of Houston and Texas Southern University. Owned by Eddie and his wife Jen, they are on a mission to change the frozen treat game! Not only do they have ice cream, but they also have sorbet, frozen yogurt, gelato, and Italian ice for those lactose intolerant or vegan. They have much more, but they cater to all. Chill works is a beautiful place, mainly because Eddie's mom, Ms. Denise, makes all these amazingly flavorful treats.

On the note of flavors, Chill Works keeps the most out-of-the-box flavors that I promise you'd never look for, but you would be so glad you found them. Even your basic chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla aren't regular. The available chocolate had a dark chocolate layer, and the strawberry was tart like the Warheads we had in grade school.

One of the flavors that took me on a spiritual food awakening was the "Boysen the Hood" ice cream. "Boysen the Hood" is their boysenberry ice cream. If you haven't acquainted yourself with the boysenberry, it is a cross between a blackberry and raspberry. I enjoyed this as the bottom scoop in my warm bubble waffle. Once it melted a bit, it fused with the bubble waffle, and the crispy warmth of the bubble waffle met the "Boysen the Hood" for a one-of-a-kind experience. I know for a fact that you can't get this anywhere else!

Regarding flavors, Ms. Denise is a master at creating these flavor profiles that heighten the senses. I also enjoyed sorbet flavors like Guava, Watermelon, Eye of the Tiger, Blood Orange, Pineapple, and Cherry. Don't come and expect the same flavors every time; come to try something new! They even had another flavor called the "Golden Trio," which is mango, peach, and pineapple. I can go on and on about the flavors, but I hope you will try it out yourself.

Owner Eddie is adamant about bringing something better to the Third Ward community. Despite many efforts to rebuild and reconstruct the area, it is still somewhat of a food desert. I love that Eddie, whose day job is as a general surgeon, and his family have curated such a conscious business model that serves the community in quality and availability. There are even options for those on a health-conscious path. From the bubble waffles to the shakes, Chill Works is bringing joy to Houston through their frozen treats.

To learn more about Chill Works, visit their website chillworks.com and follow on Instagram @the.chill.works. Please stop by and try their many flavors, make a shake, and get a 4-scoop waffle cone on the weekend! SUPPORT, SUPPORT, SUPPORT this black family-owned frozen treat business and STAY CHILL!

For more food adventures, follow me on Instagram @dinnerwithalexandria.

Keep eating local, Houston!