Penguin’s Paradise Dessert Bar: Yo Adrian, come get some gelato
By now, you’ve probably guessed that I have a serious sweet tooth. I had never been to a dessert bar, but every time that I drove past this place over the last few months, you can be sure that I wanted to stop. I finally did stop, and I found that Penguin’s Paradise Dessert Bar is a complete surprise in the middle of another Publix shopping center. Step through the door of what looks to be the generic out parcel building, and you may just wonder if you’re still in Ocoee. The interior of Penguin’s Paradise is very hip, very urban, and even whimsical. Icy blues and metallic grays compose the furnishings, tiles, walls, and fixtures, which are imported from Italy. You’ll see where I’m going with that shortly. The pendant fixtures resemble icicles, the tile pattern resembles a stormy blizzard, and even the soft drink display bears a resemblance to something like an igloo. While the cafe is entrenched in the arctic theme, you’ll be really surprised to read that the food is Italian. That is Italian in a different sense of the description. As the name implies, the main fare at Penguin’s Paradise is frozen sweets, such as gelato and sorbetto. However, they also serve Italy’s famous illy café coffee, espresso drinks and an enormous variety of baked yummies such as cakes, cupcakes, cannoli, and cookies. I hear that these are made right there in the store by a special family member. Their perfect appearance and delicious taste would imply otherwise though. It is possible to enjoy a complete meal at Penguin’s. Panini are served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. There are several choices, and I hear they are delicious. Of course, the first thing that you’ll notice, though, when you reach the counter and display cases are the many bright colors of their Artisan Gelato. Did you know that gelato is made with about one-half the butter fat as traditional ice cream? Without the additional fat, gelato flavors are much more robust and distinctive. Gelato is also much denser because it does not have excess air whipped into it like ice cream. Penguin’s Paradise keeps over 30 unique flavors to choose from at any time, and you’ll find that prices are very reasonable. We purchased two gelatos and a cupcake and spent less than ten dollars. Address: 2456 Maguire Road Ocoee, FL 32836 Phone: 407-905-5056 Website: Views: |
