Pictures

…just playing with this for now…

Balboa Island

Here is the Bing AI’s writeup on the competing frozen banana bars:

Balboa Island in Newport Beach, California, holds a special place in the history of frozen bananas. Let me peel back the layers and share the scoop:

1. Sugar ‘n Spice: 🍦
   • The Original: Sugar ‘n Spice has been a Balboa Island landmark since 1945, making it the very first frozen banana and Balboa Bar shop on the island¹. Imagine stepping into this cozy spot, where tradition meets sweetness. They’ve been dishing out customizable frozen bananas—dipped in chocolate and rolled in various toppings—for a whopping seventy-nine years! 🎉
   • Location: You’ll find Sugar ‘n Spice at 310 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, CA, 92662². They’re open throughout the week, so you can swing by for a frozen banana fix.
   • Fun Fact: While they don’t have employees in full-body banana suits (a missed opportunity, if you ask me), their anthropomorphic banana logo bears a striking resemblance to the iconic Bluth Banana Stand from “Arrested Development.” 🍌
2. Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop: 🍩
   • The Other Contender: Just a few doors down from Sugar ‘n Spice, Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop also claims to be the home of the “original” frozen banana. It’s like a banana standoff (or maybe a cold war) right there on Balboa Island!
   • Inspiration for “Arrested Development”: Yes, you read that right. The show’s famous Bluth Banana Stand drew inspiration from these real-life banana rivalries. Remember, “There’s always money in the banana stand!” 😄
3. Frozen Banana Feud: 🍌
   • In season three of “Arrested Development,” G.O.B. decides to open his own “Banana Shack” right across from the Bluth Banana Stand on Balboa Island. The turf wars are real—even in the frozen fruit business!
   • And yes, both shops serve up tasty frozen bananas dipped in chocolate. No illusions of sickness or death here, just pure deliciousness.

So, whether you’re Team Sugar ‘n Spice or Team Dad’s, Balboa Island remains the epicenter of frozen banana lore. Next time you’re there, grab a frozen banana, a Balboa Bar, or even some frozen cheesecake. It’s all part of the sweet tradition! 🤗

…and here is an article.