When it’s hot outside, there’s no better way to beat the heat than eating ice cream. One of my favorite places to cool off is Blockheads Shavery. Blockheads serves snow cream (shaved ice cream) made from fresh ingredients – a nice change from the artificial colors and flavors of shave ice. On hot days, the line frequently extends out the door and down the block.

The chalkboards list the the flavors which change seasonally, along with toppings and drizzles. Vanilla (original flavor), Green Tea, Strawberry and my favorite Black Sesame are always on the menu. Toppings range from Asian favorites like almond jelly, lychees, red beans and rice cakes to more traditional fare like rainbow sprinkles, cookies and cream, strawberries and chocolate chips. Drizzles range from fruit (strawberry puree, mango puree) to caramel or chocolate sauce to my favorite condensed milk.

Their mascot is a cute little penguin which adorns the artwork on the walls. There’s even a wipe board to entertain yourself while you wait for your order to be ready.

Each flavor is shaved from a block of ice cream into beautiful delicate flakes.

Next come the toppings and then it’s ready to enjoy!

I am in love with the black sesame with condensed milk on top. Seriously, don’t even think about getting another topping other than condensed milk. They squirt it from a bottle with 3 spouts so that your snow cream is blanketed in condensed milk goodness.

I especially love the texture of the snow cream. My husband likened it to a Cadbury Flake bar which is a good comparison. It’s just so light and heavenly that it’s impossible to believe that it has any calories – at least that’s what I tell myself! On that next hot day (like today), skip Brian’s Shave Ice (sorry Brian) and Honey Mee and come to Blockheads for a healthy (ha ha) dessert that you won’t feel guilty eating. Plus you get to look at this cute penguin…

Location – 11311 Mississippi, Los Angeles, 90025. Additional locations in Alhambra and Pasadena
Website – http://blockheadsshavery.com
Kid-Friendly – Yes
Kid’s Menu – No
Pesco-Vegetarian Friendly – Yes
Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly – Yes. They now have non-dairy Block pops and fruit tea drinks.
Gluten-Free Options – Yes