Vampire Penguin

Menu Items

8.6

Entree

Vanilla

Snow Ice

★★★★½ 1 review

Reviews

• ★★★★½ Vanilla Visited Jan 11, 2025

  Good Flavor, Decent Options, Friendly Staff, A Unique Take On Snow Ice

  One evening, on the way back to my friend's house, they suggested we try a new ice cream spot in Ellenton called Vampire Penguin. The name didn’t reveal much about what kind of dessert experience to expect, but I was intrigued. Walking in, I was pleasantly surprised by the décor, an interesting mix of blue tones with an Antarctic-meets-beach vibe.
  
  A quick glance at the menu and the sight of the ice shaving machines clued me in: this was likely an Asian-inspired snow ice spot. The setup reminded me of snow ice places I’d visited in Houston’s Chinatown and in San Antonio and Austin, Texas.
  
  After browsing the menu, I decided to create a custom dessert. My choice was vanilla-flavored ice, topped with condensed milk and cheesecake bites. While waiting for my order, I took a moment to explore the space. There was a decent-sized party room in the back, and I couldn’t help but admire the custom lamps hanging from the ceiling. I learned they were handmade by a seller on Etsy, adding a personal touch to the atmosphere.
  
  **Different from Asian Snow Ice**
  When my snow ice arrived, it was served as a cylindrical pyramid, with toppings scattered around the base and sauce drizzled over the top. The presentation was striking, though different from the ultra-thin, paper-like slices or loosely piled ice I’d seen at traditional Asian snow ice spots. This version was more of a soft-packed ice, resembling a snow cone made from flavored ice with little to no dairy.
  
  The taste, however, didn’t quite match my expectations. The vanilla ice itself was less flavorful than I’d hoped, with the condensed milk topping adding a touch of sweetness. The cheesecake bites were decent but lacked the rich flavor of real cheesecake; they seemed more like something meant for blending into a shake or blizzard-style dessert.
  
  **Service**
  The highlight of the visit was the staff. They were exceptionally friendly, eager to customize any combination I wanted, and happy to chat about the process behind their ice creations. Their enthusiasm was refreshing and added to the experience.
  
  **Overall Impression**
  Given that my visit was in the fall, with cooler weather settling in, I couldn’t help but think this type of dessert would shine in the hot summer months, especially in a beachside setting. While it didn’t become a personal favorite and I still prefer creamier versions of snow ice, the concept was fun, and the experience was enjoyable.
  
  Vampire Penguin offers a unique twist on snow ice, and while it might not be for everyone, it’s worth a visit for the creativity, friendly service, and summery vibes.
  
  Avg cost of snow ice at the time of this review $8.

  Vampire Ice Storefront Vanilla Ice with condensed milk & cheesecake bikes. Custom Ceiling Lamps Party Room Hallway Ocean & Beach Decor Party Room More Custom Lighting Main Dining Area

  — Paul