Countdown: Five best desserts in Des Moines

5. Sam & Gabe's French Coconut Tart

Sam & Gabe’s
8631 Hickman Road, Urbandale; 271-9200

Chef/owner Jerry Talerico admits that his dedication to homemade desserts isn’t necessarily altruistic.

“To be perfectly honest, if I could get pre-made stuff that’s good, I would serve it,” he said. “But you can’t. If you want to serve a good dessert, you have to make it.”
 
His homemade versions of tiramisu, crème brûlée and a triple espresso chocolate torte draw plenty of fans. However, Talerico admirably ventures where few other chefs dare: He bases a dessert on coconut, an ingredient that half the world hates as much as the other half loves.
 
The French Coconut Tart starts with a sugar-cookie crust. The filling involves flaming some coconut rum and a magical mix of sweetened coconut milk, egg yolks and other ingredients that result in a rich, custardy showcase for this much-loved/much-maligned ingredient. 
 
Coconut lovers all over town are grateful.
 
Credit: Andrea Markowski/Special to Metromix

Which is the best dessert in Des Moines?