The Cottonwood Tropics

Delicious! is the word that comes to mind as I think about this little diamond in the desert! The first time I visited the Tropical Dreams Hawaiian Ice cream Shop, located on main street in Cottonwood, AZ, I noticed how tidy and modern this place was.  I was quickly distracted by the  big friendly  smiles of the couple standing behind the counter.  The gentleman, who introduced himself as Marshal, the  co-owner of the place, began pointing out the different flavors of ice cream, gelato and cremolatas he made that day.  He let me know that he uses a variety of fresh local and organic products to make his ice cream, and that is always fresh. Marshal asked if I wanted to sample any of his flavors.  "YES!!!!" I do!!!!  I first tried his recommended flavor; Toasted Coconut. Oh my gosh!!  I am a big coconut fan, but typically steer from coconut ice cream, because it always tastes like an artificial flavoring. Oh no! Not this one! This was more like he climbed up the coconut tree and hand toasted the coconut himself! Amazing! Rich, creamy, indulgent, but not overly sweet. I started  with the his best, what now?  His wife Stephanie then recommended I try the Ginger next. Wow! Light, palate pleasing, slightly spicy, slightly sweet. Perfect.  I would recommend this flavor for after a big meal, or as a light desert. Venturing on my own now, I tried the Key Lime Yogurt.  Reminiscent of Key Lime pie, yet somewhat lighter, fluffier and creamier. Then on to the Toffee Coffee, this one really excited me!  Think of the best Kona Coffee you've ever tasted, and add the flavor  of rich, sweet toffee. You getting this?! And these are just a few of many exciting ice creams! There is a Chocolate Hazelnut, and a Pineapple, and many more to try! So if you are ready to try some seriously fresh made, local owned, blogworthy ice cream, get into Tropical Dreams! 

"The question we get asked most is, "What is Hawaiian Ice Cream?" It's gourmet ice cream made with fresh ingredients that are inspired by the Hawaiian islands. More importantly, it's ice cream made with Aloha! Aloha is the Hawaiian greeting of love, grace, and compassion for others. Something that we put into every batch of ice cream and we hope that you feel the Aloha spirit every time you visit our shop."
-Marshal 

French Pastries in the Verde Valley!

Tucked away in Old Town Cottonwood, among the restaurants, wine shops and antiques, is a quaint European style cafe. Rather well known to the locals, the Old Town Cafe is warm and inviting. Featuring a variety of pastries, breakfast sandwiches, quiches, gourmet salads, paninis, coffees, lattes, and my favorite; their home-made croissants!  I normally can't resist the almond one, a fresh and chewy croissant with a crisp outside, with a delicious, gooey, sweet almond filling (reminds me of Christmas marzipan!) sprinkled with powdered sugar and toasted almond slices! If almond is not your thing, they also have a dark chocolate one that melts in your mouth! And for the less adventuresome, there is always the plain, but none the less delicious. Their quiches are also amazing for a delicious breakfast or brunch, featuring a different quiche each week! And for the salad person there is a Chinese Chicken Salad, a Roast Beef Salad, a Chef Salad, a Ravioli Salad, a Greek Salad, and my personal favorite; the Prosciutto Salad, 

made with organic spring mix, prosciutto, feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, &

roasted pecans. All super fresh and delicious! And if that isn't enough, there are even paninis for the sandwich lovers! And once you have finished your lunch, one can hardly pass up the beautiful fruit, cream, and chocolate laden pastries. But what truly sets this cute little cafe apart is the ambiance, (one can't help to feel welcome) and the pride that owner Rosie Diaz puts into this little gem. If you're a local, and you haven't had a chance to try this place, Go! what are you waiting for? Chances are you'll bump into a neighbor. If you are planning a trip to Cottonwood, dont miss out on a real "locals" experience, and some great Euro treats!

 

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