food
/ by Mandy Holmes
Loco for Coco(nut) Reap the health benefits of this tropical ingredient
Tommy Bahama With island-inspired fare and tropical cocktails, Tommy Bahama serves up some of the best coconut options in town. Known for the world-famous coconut shrimp and papaya-mango chutney appetizer, the Kierland Commons spot has cracked the coconut code by also including coconut-crusted crab cakes and pina colada cake (soaked in rum and sandwiched with white chocolate mousse of course) on the summer menu. www.tommybahama. com.
Fresh coconut, coconut oil, coconut flour and coconut milk are currently considered a rising “miracle” food and health trend. High in healthy saturated fats, these products are growing in popularity and can be seen on menus everywhere. While rich in calories, coconuts are known to protect against heart disease, help to kill bacteria and viruses, aid the digestive system, boost your metabolism and even prevent strokes and brain disorders. If you want to jump on the coconut bandwagon but aren’t sure how to incorporate it in your daily diet, check out one of these refreshing local dishes featuring the tropical superfood.
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ScottsdaleHealth
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Pita Jungle Everything at Pita Jungle is created to help you eat better, feel healthier and make a connection to the natural world. The nourishing Caribbean salad is stocked with seasonal fruits including watermelon, strawberries, and pineapple then topped with shredded coconut, golden raisins, and a mouthwatering, strawberry vinaigrette dressing. www.pitajungle.com.
Diego Pops With a nostalgic vibe of Old World Mexico, Diego Pops is a funky Mexicanstyle diner in the heart of Old Town, Scottsdale featuring the refreshing and addicting coconut lemongrass ceviche. Shrimp, cucumber, tomato, Fresno chili, coconut and cilantro give the traditional dish a tropical twist. Stop by for half off appetizers during happy hour, seven days a week from 3 to 6 p.m. www. diegopops.com. SumoMaya SumoMaya combines the traditional flavors of Asia with the robust essence of Mexico and spirit of South America into a vibrant fusion concept featuring craveable dishes like the Thai coconut soup. Accented with ginger, lime, and lemon grass, the refreshing soup is a perfect option for the coconut-craving, gluten-free guest. While coconut is used extensively in traditional Southeast Asian cooking, coco-
nut milk adds subtle sweetness and silkiness to dishes like no other fruit can. www. sumomaya.com. Ling & Louie’s What do you get when you combine your choice of protein and fresh vegetables in a rich coconut cream sauce topped with Thai basil, mint, and chopped peanuts? An Evil Jungle Princess, of course. At Ling & Louie’s, diners have the option to dial up the spice level by adding chilies and other traditional Thai condiments in this signature dish. www. lingandlouies.com. Luna Gelateria The creamy coconut gelato from Luna Gelateria is nothing short of authentically amazing. Thanks to the state-of-the-art gelato machine imported from Italy, the frozen treat is churned and created daily to satisfy your coconut cravings with less calories than traditional ice cream. www.lunagelateria.com.