Nuts for Coconuts

Temperatures were rumored to climb above the 110-degree mark yesterday in Los Angeles. As I found myself running around Beverly Hills, wishing I was at the beach or just chilling in an ice locker, I knew I needed a cool refreshing beverage and fast. But what? Soda seemed too sickly sweet and I’ve downed so many Arnold Palmer’s this month, I now have a pretty solid golf swing. I wanted something light and tropical that might at least, make me feel like I was lounging in Bali. And then it came to me: baby coconut juice.

I pulled my car around, headed east and careened into a parking spot just in front of V Café. V Café, which opened a few months ago, is West Hollywood’s latest hot spot sandwich shoppe and coffee klatch. In addition to traditional brunch and lunchtime fare, think croissants, Paninis and smoothies, V Café has daily farmer’s market fresh concoctions such as jicama and watermelon salad with mint dressing and figs, arugula, and manchego with a balsamic reduction. They also happen to have a few baby coconuts hiding out in the deli case.

I ordered my baby coconut with glee and watched with anticipation as a V Café staff member took a machete and sliced a whole in the top of the baby coconut (not a drink for the faint of heart). She handed me a straw so I could drink the juice straight from the shell. I posted up at the counter and enjoyed a break for the sweltering heat. When I finished the juice, they broke the shell in half for me so I could scrape out the coconut’s delicate flesh as an extra treat. Delish. On my way out, I picked up a few delectable spreads from V Café’s specialty goods selection. I grabbed some Bella Cucina pesto and small jar of La Favorita Artichoke and Garlic Cream. I left V Café, goodies in hand, thirst quenched, electrolytes replaced and finally ready to beat the heat.

V Café, 8164 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 323.951.9577