Dine and Dish: a variation of ice cream at the Orange Works Cafe in Strathmore

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Sometimes the road less traveled takes you to the tastiest treats.

The scenic drive along Highway 65 brought us to the small town of Strathmore in Tulare County.

The setting of the Orange Works Cafe makes you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.

“It’s definitely more country western,” says director Eddie Khal.

Every morning, Khal makes fresh batches of orange ice cream, which seems to elicit the same reaction from people.

“It’s very unique,” he said. “I’ve never seen orange ice cream anywhere. Maybe an orange sorbet.”

Eddie’s parents bought the place 18 years ago. The owner wasn’t giving up on his orange ice cream recipe, so Isabel Khal says they came up with their own version – one that’s hard to beat.

“Something about it is addictive,” she said. “You must have it.”

Even tourists heading to Sequoia National Park have requested that ice cream be shipped home.

“I had someone in Europe, Norway or France, ask me if I could have your ice cream,” Isabel said.

The cafe is located in the South Valley citrus belt, so local growers supply the Khal’s with oranges for ice cream, juice, and even iced tea.

But long-time customers come for lunch almost every day.

The Orange Works cafe is a popular gathering place where everyone knows each other.

“It’s sort of the center of the community, but also the center of several towns,” Eddie said.

The Khals say people can enter as strangers but leave as friends.