For Maggie de Vera, ice cream is more than just a dessert—it’s a vehicle for building community and spreading joy. The Burlingame resident, a licensed marriage and family therapist and director of addiction studies at College of San Mateo, has channeled her childhood memories and professional expertise into creating Chill Spot Rendezvous, a unique ice cream café in San Mateo that doubles as a community hub.
De Vera’s inspiration stems from her grandparents’ ice cream parlor and pharmacy in the Philippines, which served as a neighborhood gathering spot. “That ice cream parlor was the hub of the neighborhood,” she recalled. “I just never got that image out of my head of this wonderful place people would go to.”
Now, Chill Spot Rendezvous brings that same sense of connection to San Mateo. The café, which de Vera describes as a “sanctuary of feeling good,” offers over a dozen rotating ice cream flavors—half of which are dairy-free—alongside lumpia, empanadas, housemade smoothies, and a variety of events such as open mic nights, meditation sessions, karaoke, and movie screenings.
A Menu Designed for Inclusivity
The menu caters to diverse dietary needs, featuring vegan, keto, nondairy, low-sugar, and low-carb options. Dairy-based ice creams are made without carrageenans, a common stabilizer, while nondairy options use coconut milk or pea protein bases. Popular flavors include ube, piña colada, and pistachio, as well as indulgent creations like Purely Pecan Perfection in Salted Caramelized Comfort and Pogi’s Candy Bar Craze, named after de Vera’s younger brother, Alex Rivera.
Rivera, who has Down syndrome, is a central figure in de Vera’s life and the café’s ethos. “He’s the most loving, pure soul I’ve ever met,” she said. Rivera’s influence extends to the café’s mission of spreading positivity and inclusivity.
A Personal Journey to Wellness
De Vera’s commitment to wellness is deeply personal. When her mother was diagnosed with dementia, de Vera revamped her diet, replacing unhealthy foods with dairy-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free ice creams. The results were remarkable: her mother’s condition improved from severe to mild dementia, and her medication count dropped from 23 to just three. “Much of what dictates us emotionally, psychologically, and physiologically is also the foods we eat,” de Vera explained.
A Space for Connection
Located in the former Bobabia space, Chill Spot Rendezvous was designed to foster community. The two-storefront layout, complete with a kitchen, is ideal for hosting events and serving both sweet and savory items. De Vera has preserved the welcoming energy of the previous establishment, with customers often noting the similarity between her and Bobabia’s former owner, Victor Win.
The café’s interior features uplifting quotes, board games, and a television for family-friendly movie screenings. It also serves as an event space for private parties and workshops. Current offerings include free gratitude meditations on Sundays and laughter yoga sessions, which de Vera describes as a surprisingly transformative experience.
A Diverse Culinary Experience
Beyond ice cream, Chill Spot offers a range of savory options, including spanakopita, chicken and waffles, and Argentine empanadas from Cocina Milonga, a South San Francisco business de Vera admires. The café also serves churros, ice cream nachos, and housemade cookies and brownies.
For health-conscious patrons, smoothies like the Mighty Medley—featuring apple, pineapple, pomegranate, and acai—provide a refreshing alternative. Meanwhile, indulgent treats like ice cream floats and cookie sandwiches cater to those seeking a classic dessert experience.
Building Community Through Shared Experiences
De Vera envisions Chill Spot Rendezvous as more than just a café—it’s a space where people can connect, unwind, and share positive energy. “This is a space where I want people to feel is a sanctuary of feeling good,” she said. “I want to build community, help people connect, and just help spread the positive energy that I really believe we need.”
As Chill Spot Rendezvous continues to grow, de Vera remains committed to her mission of creating a welcoming environment where everyone can find something to enjoy—whether it’s a scoop of ube ice cream, a laughter yoga session, or simply a moment of connection with others.
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