Lobo’s Ice Cream

I’ve never been a huge fan of the Thursday evening Farmer’s Market in San Rafael but Lobo’s might just have turned me into a regular.
A couple of years ago, at another place in San Rafael, I discovered the Mangonada, a partially frozen mango/​tamarind/​lime/​chile pepper treat that quickly rose to the top of my «favorite things ever» list. When that place closed, Marin was left Mangonada-​less and living here became a smidge less enjoyable.
Tonight, walking through the Farmer’s Market I paused, fingers crossed, in front of the Lobo’s sign to ask «What’s a Lobonada?» My question was answered with a free sample of this frozen watermelon/​mango combination which bore a slight resemblance to my beloved Mangonada. The proprietor described it as «better than a Mangonada» which I wasn’t ready to concede but a bit later I returned, ready to sample more.
The Lobonada is available in three sizes ($ 2, $ 4, $ 6). The $ 4 size was an ample cupful of slushy mango, slushy watermelon, tamarind sauce, fresh lime, and red pepper and I was fully sold on it by around my third spoonful. By the time I’d finished it I seriously considered heading back for a second, bigger cupful.
I was told that they were «out of tamarind» which, since my Lobonada contained tamarind purée, I didn’t think to question. Then, suddenly, it dawned on me that they might have been referring to the tamarind candy-​covered straws that used to be served with my Mangonada. If that’s what was missing — and might be available on future visits — count me in. I love those things.
Lobo’s is clearly a family business (complete with cute little girls taking your money and providing you change) selling homemade frozen treats. They offer samples not only of the Lobonada but also of all of the ice cream they sell.
The Lobonada has a different consistency than a Mangonada (more slushy, less chunky), but the flavors were all there and they were quite good. I’ll go to sleep tonight hoping first for the addition of a tamarind candy-​covered straw and once that dream is fulfilled I’ll start hoping for home delivery. Barring that, I’ll be staking a place at the Thursday night Farmer’s Market in San Rafael. Finally, there’s something at that market to to get me excited.
(Note: Though there’s a Novato address on this Unilocal listing, I don’t believe there’s a business there. This business can be found at farmer’s markets and is also available for catering).