Prayer and cannoli brings a little taste of Sicily to Lakeside

Although I did not make it to the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce’s official ribbon cutting of it’s new member and business on Maine Avenue, I did take time later that day to stop by Crema Dolce Cannoli and Coffee. And I am so glad that I did. I was unescapably impressed with this family owned business, and Nina Volden, who purchased this shop with her husband Neal.

Although I did not make it to the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce’s official ribbon cutting of it’s new member and business on Maine Avenue, I did take time later that day to stop by Crema Dolce Cannoli and Coffee. And I am so glad that I did. I was unescapably impressed with this family owned business, and Nina Volden, who purchased this shop with her husband Neal.

Nina Volden talked about how they came to Maine Avenue. Lakeside residents, they had been selling her Sicilian styled cannoli at local farmers markets in San Diego County. Everywhere they went, customers told her they needed to open up shop, but it was not something that they were really looking at doing. Thinking about the overhead of owning a shop, she said that they really rather just stick to the farmers markets.

But she said things began to change last year at the Spirit of Christmas on Maine in Lakeside. Stuck down at the very end of Maine, beyond the main attractions, she was worried that no one would see them, walk that far down and they would not sell anything. However, word spread around like a wildfire, she said, and wound up selling every cannoli she had brought for the event. Again and again, people told her that they should have a shop where people could buy cannoli every day.

Well that was the beginning of a new adventure for the Volden family. A family of faith, she said they prayed about it, and quickly after found out that the space they occupy was opening up. Still very casual about opening up a storefront, they found out that the price was reasonable and after research, doable. Door after door just kept opening up, and everyone was so supportive and encouraging, that they took the leap of faith and opened shop. And I for one am so happy they did.

They knew that desserts only probably wouldn’t be successful, so with her family’s love of sandwiches, they added the things that they love. Coming from an Italian family, salami, cheeses, torpedoes and panini became part of the menu. Along with some salads, coffee and other desserts, they already have a good base of returning customers.

This is not surprising to me at all after eating there. I am a big fan of panini, but very selective due to the fact that most panini is heavy on the stomach and depending on the ingredients can be quite greasy. But this was not the case here. It was light and refreshing, the perfect lunch for a warm day.

But as good as its food is, I have never tasted such a delightful dessert as the Volden’s homemade cannoli. The crispy, flaky pastry shell on the outside was the perfect match for the sweet cream on the inside. Dipped in pistachios, created the crème de la crème for my taste. Traditionally, in the Volden family, they dip the ends with toasted almonds, but they have a large array of dipping items that caters to anyone at any age. She said the kids love the M&M’s or sprinkles, wanting to add a little variety and fun into the combinations.

If you love pastry, this is a place that I believe will go a long way in Lakeside. I know I will be back. I would have taken a box of cannoli home with me if I were headed straight home that day, but I will make the special trip to do so in the future. Not only is the cannoli a special treat, the atmosphere of a loving family owned shop is just as much of a draw as the products they sell.

Crema Dolce Cannoli and Coffee is located at 9903 Maine Avenue in Lakeside. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the exception of Mondays. Find out more at www.facebook.com/cannolionly.

Take a trip, choose your favorite dip, and be sure to leave a tip. This family effort deserves a chance at great success, and its cannoli on its own has the opportunity to make it happen. And Lakeside is a picture-perfect location for this family owned business, they are friendly, love their community and are now providing a delightful delicious dessert in a Maine street kind of town.