Pumpkin season is upon us, and there are many innovative and flavorful dishes in Northern Virginia that highlight autumn’s best squash. Here are six sweet and savory pumpkin dishes in the area for you to sample this fall.
Cheesetique
Pumpkin Cheesecake
It’s only fitting that Virginia’s favorite cheese shop would be serving a seasonal cheesecake this fall. In this epic dish, pumpkin, cream cheese and a gingersnap crust come together to make the most delectable pumpkin cheesecake. 2411 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Dolcezza
Pumpkin Spice Gelato
This autumn, Dolcezza has cooked up a pumpkin spice syrup made from 1,800 pounds of heirloom crookneck pumpkins grown at Beiler’s Heritage Acres Farm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The pumpkins are oven-blistered in-house with dark brown sugar, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and clove to create the syrup which they use to make their pumpkin-spice gelato. It’s sweet, seasonal and downright scrumptious. And if you prefer something warm, try their pumpkin spice latte, make with the same syrup. 2905 District Ave., Fairfax
First Watch
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Chewy and fragrant, these pancakes will warm your soul. Drown them in maple syrup and inhale — no further instructions needed. If you are craving more sugar, try an order of their pumpkin-spice doughnuts served with a duo of dipping sauces. 9600 Main St., Suite S., Fairfax
The Red Fox Inn & Tavern
Smoked Pumpkin Bisque
Made with roasted pumpkin, coconut milk, and caramelized onions, this gorgeous sunset-hued soup is topped with a crunchy pecan crumble, and drizzled with chili oil for a bit of heat. If you really want to go full pumpkin, choose the pumpkin and gruyere risotto or the pumpkin ricotta ravioli as your entrée. 2 E. Washington St., Middleburg
Ted’s Bulletin
Pumpkin Ravioli
This dish will give you a snug, cozy feeling like no other. House-made ravioli is stuffed with pumpkin ravioli and ricotta cheese, and served doused in a warm, comforting brown-butter sauce. Pecans add a bit of crunch, sage brings a woodsy note, and fresh chives lend a pop of color. If your pumpkin craving isn’t satisfied, try the venue’s pumpkin spice milkshake for dessert. 4238 Wilson Blvd. #1130, Arlington
Yindee Thai
Pumpkin Curry
Pumpkin is a staple in Thai cooking, and the slightly sweet, creamy vegetable is a natural partner to slightly sweet, creamy coconut milk. The addition of a paste of hot peppers, garlic, spices, plus red bell pepper, basil leaves, and some other veggies make the curry fragrant and spicy. Enjoy it with a side of rice. 8412 Old Keene Mill Rd., West Springfield
Feature image of Cheesetique pumpkin cheesecake courtesy Jill Erber
