Penguino Ice Cream Cafe – Multi-Award-Winning Homemade Ice Cream, Gelatos and Sorbets
It’s 10am and Coki is back from her early morning F45 gym session. She’s energised and excited to start the day. With a smile like Coki’s it’s hard to say no to an ice cream.
Coki manages and runs the shop and her passion for what she does is infections. You could even say that Ice Cream runs in her blood. Born in Argentina, when she was 11 years old her Dad, Pepe, was the local expert in Ice Cream and the 3 kids all helped out with the running of his business.
Coki left Argentina to move to New Zealand in 2013. After a short period of living in Auckland and Rotorua, moved to sunny Nelson for the lifestyle changed and never looked back. Coki and her family recently travelled home to Argentina this year, to visit her family and friends. When asked what she did over those two weeks, she said food, family and relaxing, just like I do here in Nelson. It’s all about our family, community, friends and lots of great food and of course some of my delightful ice cream.
“It’s been a busy winter, and our customers are enjoying the treat of Ice Cream on those sunny winter days we have been having. We enjoy seeing grandparents buying the kids a special treat, especially during the last school holidays. It was great weather, and it has been our busiest winter to date. People are coming back to the CBD and we are feeling the vibe of a busy and (soon to be a very warm) summer season. Winter treats like hot waffles have been very popular.” says Coki.
With over 277 Google reviews it’s obvious that Penguinos is a hit with the locals and adding to the Nelson experience for many.
“Wow such an amazing ice cream! The vibe is really great like a family. The best ice cream in Nelson, google review.
Recently a very clever parent organised a kids birthday treasure hunt around town, and Penguinos was one of the destinations. The kids were busy looking for clues in various shops and enjoyed an ice cream each. They had the best day ever.
Did you know that Coki was an expert Gymnast who competed at a national level in Argentina? This lead to coaching Gymnastics, which lead to meeting her husband Fabian, who was also a coach. Fabian also played Rugby for his Provincial Team Union who played the All Blacks during 1985 Argentinian tour. His claim to fame was kicking 2 marvelous penalty kicks!
Penquino Ice Cream has received numerous awards over the years. Just recently, they were awarded with another two awards at the 2023 NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards for their Lavender & Coconut dairy free and Mango & Chili flakes sorbet.
Every week they rotate between 350 flavours to choose from, so pop in and grab a coffee while you are there.
Find them at 85 Montgomery Square, Nelson
Visit and like their Facebook page www.facebook.com/PenguinoIceCreamCafe
Explore the virtual tour at Penguino Ice Cream Cafe
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