Vampire Penguin: The New Dessert on the Block

​By GERRY BARKER
Photos by Gerry Barker

Let's get clear on one thing right off the top: Vampire Penguin's icy desserts are NOT snow cones. Newly opened -- four days ago -- Vampire Penguin transforms ice and snow into decadent and delicious desserts that are as far away from a snow cone as you can get.

Owners Darcy and Troy took time out to show us around their new business, located on the north end of Northlake Commons Plaza in Palm Beach Gardens  by Home Depot near Giovanni's and True Treasures.

The store's namesake, a playful "vampire penguin," is in evidence all around: On signs, stuffed toys and T-shirts. They even have a designated children's table where kids can color a vampire penguin and maybe see it hanging on their wall of children's art. And whether you need to go or not, be sure and check out the bathroom -- it has the feel of something out of Disney's Haunted Mansion.

But let's get to those desserts. 

You can choose from their Signature Snow menu, or you can "conjure your own" concoction. The regular size is $8, and a large is $10. The choices include "Banana Cream Pie," "Orange Dreamscapade," "Coffee Toffee" and "PBC - Peanut Butter Cup." After much deliberation, I went with "Dulce De Leche," a combination of vanilla snow with caramel sauce, banana slices, flan and whipped cream. My taste buds are still on Cloud 9.

Vampire Penguin was founded by the San Luis Bros. - Paolo and Leo. They brought their love of icy treats from the Philippines when they moved to the US, and after sampling various versions of shaved ice, came up with a way to elevate it as a dessert. But what about that name?

The brothers say this on their website:

"We decided to have Penguin in the name because of a penguin's association with ice, and Vampire because the combination and overall aesthetic of the snow/ice that came out of our experimentation is out of this world. Something that shouldn't exist or even be possible - something like a Vampire Penguin."

Whatever you call it, it's our new favorite go-to place for tasty treats. Find them at 3908 Northlake Blvd. (561-720-2248).

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