Simple Delights

A Laurelwood Shopping Center staple in San Mateo serving Double Rainbow ice cream, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, sundaes, and custom cakes made by an in-house pastry chef.

Simple Delights has been serving the Laurelwood Shopping Center neighborhood at 1226 West Hillsdale Boulevard in San Mateo since October 2019, when the new owner took over the space from J.J.'s Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt, a local institution that had operated there for over 30 years. The goal was simple: keep the tradition of a small, community-focused dessert shop alive while expanding the menu. The ice cream program features Double Rainbow, the San Francisco-founded, family-owned brand that former Mayor Willie Brown once called the official ice cream of San Francisco. All Double Rainbow flavors are certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Frozen yogurt comes from Dannon YoCream, which carries the National Yogurt Association's Live and Active Cultures seal at ten times the required threshold, and is also OU-D Kosher certified. The custom cake and dessert program is handled by Jessica Milanes, a Foster City native and San Mateo High School graduate who holds a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Cal Poly Pomona and completed the Baking and Pastry Program at the San Francisco Cooking School in 2018. Her work spans custom birthday cakes, tiered wedding cakes, cupcakes, decorated sugar cookies, ice cream cakes, bars, and full-size desserts. The full menu also includes milkshakes, sundaes, espresso, and tea drinks. Online ordering for pickup and delivery is available, and catering and large orders are accommodated.