Today the world celebrates the drupe we call a coconut. Coconuts are fascinating fruits; they can take lives - every year falling coconuts kill on average 150 people around the world; and save lives - during the Pacific War coconut water was used to give emergency plasma transfusions to wounded soldiers.
Who new the wonders of the coconut were so many?
And let's not forget how delicious coconuts are. Just the taste can send you off on an exotic beach vacation. They make delightful drinks and desserts and play nice in savory dishes too.
Check out these local eateries to curb your coconut cravings.
Happy World Coconut Day!
A couple of fresh ceviche dishes come served in a fresh coconut at La Consentida. Hows that for a showstopper?! The signature Cocktail la Consentida is a medley of shrimp, octopus, crab, aqua chile and scallops and the Cocktail de Camaron is Mexican shrimp cocktail with young coconut, guacamaya and tajin. Round out the meal with a frothy pina colada for the ultimate coconut experience! 2647 W. Glendale Avenue, Phoenix; 602-675-0789; www.laconsentidaphx.com
This week only, Tracey Dempsey Originals is offering the Basbousa, a coconut and semolina cake with Meyer lemon crema and strawberry rose compote. Expect a sweet explosion of decadence with this dessert. Available for curbside pick-up. 602.376.9021;www.tracydempseyoriginals.com
Don't miss the Strawberries + Creme at Hotel Valley Ho. This sweet treat is a crème puff filled with whipped coconut cheesecake and a passion fruit prosecco sauce. Hotel Valley Ho is located at 6850 E. Main Street, Scottsdale; 480.421.7997; www.hotelvalleyho.com
Los Sombreros recently introduced the Coco Loco cocktail. Not to be confused with a piña colada, this drink combines Lunazul Reposado tequila with Manzana (apple), Liquid Alchemist Coconut and warming spices for a creamy and delightful libation. Los Somberos has three valley locations in South Scottsdale, Uptown Phoenix and Mesa. www.lossombreros.com
Let Jeremiah's Italian Ice cool you down with two refreshing coconut treats. The coconut housemade Italian Ice can be enjoyed alone or as a gelati combo with chocolate or vanilla soft serve. Fan favorite Lemon Coconut Meringue features cookie butter ice, coconut ice, lemon ice and vanilla soft serve. Jeremiah's is located at 4050 S. Alma School Road, Chandler; 480.702.0211 www.jeremiahsice.com
Of course you'll find plenty of coconutty goodness at Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade! Favorites include the Blue Hawaii Smoothie Bowl made with bananas, blue spirulina, mango, pineapple, date, coconut butter, and almond milk, then topped with granola, strawberry, blueberry, mango, and organic coconut chips. Just in time for fall is the Pumpkin Spice Nut Butter Toast on multi grain bread, topped with pumpkin spice nut butter, banana, coconut and honey. Wash it down with a refreshing Coconut Lemonade served raw and cold pressed and made with fresh coconuts and lots of lemons. Wow Wow has several locations across the valley. Visit www.wowwowhawaiianlemonade.com
Coconuts go south of the border at Taco Guild. The La Antigua cocktail is made with Blanco tequila, coconut, green juice, lime, mint and Peychaud’s bitters. Enjoy this drink while noshing on some of the most uniquely delicious tacos in town like the Fried Coconut Shrimp Taco with nopales, strawberry salsa, mango aioli and scallion curls. Taco Guild is located at 546 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix; 602.264.4143; www.tacoguild.com
Charm Thai in Chandler offers a few savory coconut items like the Coconut Wraps, a Thai street food favorite made with ginger, shrimp, fresh chilis, shredded coconut, cashews, shallots, lime and lemongrass vinaigrette in butter lettuce cups. The Coconut Soup is Thai comfort food made with coconut, lemongrass, mushrooms, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves steamed in vegetable broth. The Roasted Duck Red Curry is a roasted duck breast simmered in coconut cream with lychee fruit, cherry tomatoes, pineapple, green beans and bell peppers served with steamed jasmine rice. Charm Thai is located at 11 W. Boston Street, Chandler; 480.917.7222; www.charmtc.com
Leave it to the fun folks at Hula's Modern Tiki to have several coconut menu items. The Crispy Coconut Shrimp Rolls come with pineapple-horseradish dipping sauce and the Hawaiian Lobster Bisque is a fun take on the traditional creamy lobster soup made with coconut milk and a hint of sriracha. They're also taking coconut to the sea with the Hawaiian Ceviche, fresh white fish with citrus juice, coconut milk, chili, cilantro, garlic and wonton chips. Pair any of those dishes with the Hula's Pain Killer a fruity concoction made with rum, coconut, pineapple and orange juices or the Dr. Funk mixed with coconut rum, vodka, crème de banana pineapple and orange juices. Oh, and be sure to order the Coconut Cream Pie. 5450 E. High Street; 480.597.5808; www.hulasmoderntiki.com
Celebrate World Coconut Day with a trip to the red rocks of Sedona. ShadowRock Tap + Table at Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock has a great coconut treat for breakfast. The vegan Coconut Chia Seed Pudding is made with ripe berry coulis and is the perfect way to start the day. 90 Ridge Trail Drive, Sedona; 928.284-4040; www.hiltonsedonaresort.com
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