OC Pumpkin Offerings
Tis the season again… it’s autumn, and if you love pumpkin as much as we do, here’s a roundup of pumpkin offerings in Orange County.
Gourmet Waffle Sandwich: Bruxie: Every fall, they feature a Pumpkin Cheesecake Bruxie with Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling, Candied Pecans & Ginger Snap Cookie Crumble. They also feature a delicious Pumpkin Spice Shake made with real Wisconsin frozen custard
The Cheesecake Factory The restaurant that brings more than 250 menu items also offers a classic, creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake baked in a graham cracker crust and sprinkled with chopped pecans. Or try their Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake, finished with caramel and chopped pecans all in a pastry crust. Thecheesecakefactory.com
Gastropub: Haven Gastropub: Executive Chef/Partner, Greg Daniels, has created a Pumpkin Gratin that is a very comforting and simple dish featuring sugar pumpkin, grana padano, and crema. They will also have a pumpkin beer on tap (after all, Haven is known as the authority for craft beer in OC).
Marie Callender’s offers a freshly baked, homemade pumpkin pie with just the right amount of spice. Using the same famous recipe for more than 65 years, Marie Callender’s beloved pies are made daily from scratch. Mariecallendersmeals.com.
Mimi’s Café The neighborhood bistro, Mimi’s Café, has everyone’s favorite Pumpkin Muffins and Pumpkin Pancakes to celebrate the new fall season. Enjoy as a snack or a hearty breakfast. Mimiscafe.com.
Raw, Vegan: 118 Degrees: Chef/Owner Jenny Ross makes a Pumpkin Seed Cheese that is raw and vegan! This cheese has 22g of protein per serving and can be used as a spread, topping or filling!
Mexican Cuisine: SOL Cocina: Every fall, SOL features a Pumpkin Spice Margarita as its seasonal cocktail! Created by SOL Cocina Mixologist, Colin Pflugradt, this fall cocktail is refreshing, not too sweet, and a little spicy, featuring Don Julio Blanco, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, roasted pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon - you can get a virgin version that's equally delicious! Chef Deb is also considering Pumpkin Tacos this year!
Fine dining: The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar: Chef Yvon Goetz' Venison is perfect for cooler temperatures. This dish (pictured above) features a pumpkin stuffed with Braised Alsatian Cabbage, Applewood Smoked Bacon, and Julienned Apples in a Alsatian Gewürztraminer.
