For many of us, fall is the best time of year because of the cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and the arrival of fall produce like sweet potatoes, figs, kale, carrots, and apples. Of these, apples may be the most popular, especially as they grow in abundance all around Virginia. Delicious as a snack, apples also serve as a versatile ingredient that can be used in sweet and savory dishes. See below for a list of apple dishes at NoVA restaurants, ranging from dessert to brunch to salads and appetizers.
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken’s Candy Apple Doughnut
The team at Astro Doughnuts loves to showcase the seasons through their doughnuts, and this fall is no exception. Its October menu features a candy apple doughnut filled with a sticky apple compote, drenched in a red apple-cider glaze, and finished with caramelized sugar. This treat is the best way to fall into the season. 4005 Campbell Ave., Arlington
L’Auberge Chez Francois’ Le Croustillant au Roquefort
The cuisine at L’Auberge Chez Francois is always decadent, and this appetizer is no exception. A square of crispy puff pastry is topped with half-moons of apples cooked in butter, cinnamon, Calvados brandy, and dollops of Roquefort cheese. The tangy cheese is the perfect contrast to the sweet apples, while the puff pastry gives the dish a nice buttery crunch. 332 Springvale Rd., Great Falls
The Majestic’s Kale and Honeycrisp Apple Salad
Made with a blend of kale, sliced apples, quinoa, toasted almonds, pomegranate seeds, this salad is healthy but also delicious. The Majestic finishes the satisfying dish with scoops of lemon-infused goat cheese and a generous drizzle of sweet raspberry vinaigrette. 911 King St., Alexandria
The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm’s Apple Bread Pudding
This apple dessert is the ultimate fall sweet pleasure. Rich and hearty, the dish combines bread, raisins, and apples coated in a silky concoction of egg, milk, butter, and sugar. Baked to a golden brown, the restaurant crowns this dessert with salted caramel gelato. Even if it is the final course, you won’t be able to get enough. 42461 Lovettsville Rd., Lovettsville
Ruthie’s All-Day’s Apple Pie Pancakes
Pie for breakfast may be frowned upon, but these tasty pancakes will satisfy the craving. Chewy, fluffy flapjacks are topped with apple cubes stewed with butter, cinnamon, and sugar. The gooey apples and a cloud of whipped cream come together for an irresistible warm, sweet, and luscious combination. The dish truly lives up to its name. 3411 Fifth St. S., Arlington
Feature image of Ruthie’s All Day’s apple pie pancakes by Laura Chase Deformigny
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