Açai week 3: Loco Coco

 
Ok so, remember that time last week I said I wanted to find a place that is more independently owned and less of a chain but still really amazing? I found it. Its name is Loco Coco and it's pretty adorable. My friend Morgan and I were on the hunt for a perfect birthday bowl to celebrate turning 23 and (in quotes) "thriving" and came across Loco Coco a few shops down on the corner of Lexington and East 64th Street. As we stood at the doorway with pink neon lights shining on our faces, we were greeted by a man sitting on the bench outside wearing a Loco Coco's t-shirt. We would soon find out this was the founder/owner, Max. He is only 23 years old and had recently graduated from Northeastern University. He told us that he created this place to add a more healthy and natural spot in the city. He was sick of the chain-like açai bowl spots in New York and thought something different and fresh needed to be born. So here he is now, running the cutest little Açai place I've ever seen. And, I have a feeling there are more to come. (Yes, ever category is going to be 5/5.)

Name: Loco Coco

Location: 835 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065

Thickness: 5
There were so many base options to choose from I was almost overwhelmed but with help from Max, I came to the decision of their most popular Açai bowl, "Purple Rain" which has a base of Acai, Banana, Blueberry, Pineapple and Coconut Mylk. I like how they spelled it "mylk" because to be honest I've always been confused why non-dairy products are labeled "milk" because they aren't. Anywho, I have never had a base that has pineapple in it and it was definitely different. It had this sweet and tangy taste to it that, at first, Morgan and I couldn't figure out. But after looking back at the menu and seeing pineapple we had one of those "ah-ha" moments and decided we like it.

Add-Ons: 5
The add-ons "purple rain" came with were granola, blueberry, banana, raspberry, chia seeds and coconut flakes but I ended up swapping the raspberries for strawberries and we both added PB because...Well, PB is life and I'm grateful I have a friend who understands this. But, the PB was extra. All of the dry ingredients were in little glass bowls displayed on the counter and it just looked so instagrammable and fresh.

Size: 5
FINALLY. That's all I have to say about this.

Price: $12.51 (With the PB add-on and tax)
This is the most expenive I have gotten, but also the largest by far. And, I didn't have to add the PB.

Atmosphere: 5
For starters, Max was really nice but then the people working inside were equally as kind and energetic. One of the guys working saw me taking photos of the place and he goes, "ohhh, yeah! Instagram straight flexin?!" With a huge smile and in a non-judgemental way. I'm like yes, you understand me. Then the girl who was making our bowl was like an artist putting everything on so beautifully and she even asked if we wanted the lids off because she already knew we wanted to take a photo. The inside was all white tile with a neon pink "Loco Coco" sign which is very hip and in. I mean, if you own an açai bowl place you have to know it needs to be a place people can take good photos. If you didn't take a photo of your bowl, did you even have one?

Overall tastiness: 5
Overall, I would say Loco Coco Açai is a huge success on all levels. If I have to take someone in the city to an Açai bowl place, I would come here for said reasons above. I just really love how original and clean the entire design feels and looks. It is also in short walking distance from Central Park, the perfect place to enjoy a bowl. The bar-like area inside has stools, which is always a plus for me and there is a bench outside. They also have pitaya bowls, which I am dying to try. So Max, if you are reading this, we loved your place. 2 thumbs up at 5/5 all around.

Next week I think I am going to try and make my own...Wish me luck.

AB

The birthday girl and all of her fabulousness