Tropical Shave Ice Truck outside of the ATOMIC Ballroom

Tropical Shave Ice Truck outside of the ATOMIC Ballroom

You can really work up a sweat dancing at the ATOMIC Ballroom but you can keep your cool with a treat from the Tropical Shave Ice truck.

This truck is the first of it’s kind.  Rick and Emily, who own and run the truck, have only been in business for about a month and already they have garnered such a following that people come from miles around just for one of their delicious shaved ices.

Rick and Emily Kukahiko, native Hawaiians, are passionate about bringing Hawaiian – style shaved ice to Orange County and Los Angeles.  Rick explained that there’s a big difference between what Hawaiians know of shaved ice and what we think shaved ice is on the mainland.  “Hawaiian-style shaved ice is very, very fine, so it has a softer and lighter texture,” he said.  Emily uses makes all of the syrups by hand, using real fruit instead of artificial colors and flavors.  And you can taste the results – their syrups are packed full of

A few of the many delights at the Tropical Shave Ice truck.

A few of the many delights at the Tropical Shave Ice truck.

flavor and not overly sweet and a refreshing treat on a hot summer night.  Because of the name, I had to give Tiger’s Blood a try – and the sweet coconut flavoring and strawberry combination are just delicious.

The idea for a shaved ice truck came about from their other business, Kaikea Entertainment, which specializes in Polynesian dance.  They started offering their special blend of Hawaiian-style shaved ice during their events and their clients couldn’t stop raving about it.  One day Rick woke up, looked at Emily and said “We’re going to buy a truck and do this.”  Their truck was custom designed and built, and nine months later they were ready to open shop.  Judging by the line of customers (and customers who were coming back for seconds and thirds) they’re truck will soon be a smashing success.

When you order you can choose up to three flavors, because, as the ice man himself said, “after three flavors you lose the taste of any of the shaved ices.”  Their most popular combinations include the 808 (Tiger’s Blood, which is a delicious concoction of strawberry and coconut, Melona, and Vanilla) and the Keanu (cotton candy and bubblegum), one their son’s favorite combo.  For an added treat order yours with a snow cap (condensed milk) or sweet Azuki Beans.

Check out their website to see their menu or to find out when the Tropical Shave Ice truck will be coming to a location near you.