Phoenix might not have fall leaves and crisp October temperatures, but that doesn’t mean Phoenicians can’t experience autumnal flavors. Restaurants across the Valley have stepped up with seasonal entrees, desserts, and even cocktails – incorporating everything from classic pumpkin spice and traditional fall produce to unexpected fall flavor combinations. Here are some of our top picks.
Salted Caramel Martini at T. Cook’s
While pumpkin and apple are the typical go-to fall cocktail flavors, this sweet martini proves there’s a place for the often-underrated salted caramel in your fall beverage lineup. It’s the perfect start to a fall meal and can be followed by T. Cook’s other seasonal offerings, like its potato leek soup and maple bread pudding. royalpalmshotel.com
Corn Soup at The Market by Jennifer’s
This soup brings together the best of the Southwest with the flavors of fall – made with a sweet corn puree and grilled corn paired with a hearty jalapeño-cheddar biscuit, making it a fantastic cold weather appetizer to start your meal. themarketbyjennifer.com
Lobster & Pumpkin Ravioli at Kona Grill
Kona Grill has become known for its annual pumpkin menu, with this decadent pasta dish being a favorite year after year. The lobster- and pumpkin-stuffed raviolis are paired with a variety of flavors that somehow work together, like a lemon cream sauce, and the sprinkling of shiitake mushrooms, asparagus and Parmesan cheese. konagrill.com
Duck Burger at STK
A duck burger might not initially sound like a seasonal item, but this dish brings together a variety of fall flavors – like caramelized onions, plum chutney, cheddar, and most importantly – pumpkin ketchup to create the perfect autumnal burger. stksteakhouse.com
Pumpkin Cheesecake Pancakes at JOJO Coffeehouse
JOJO Coffeehouse provides diners with a classic fall breakfast in the form of its pumpkin cheesecake pancakes layered with pumpkin cheesecake cream and topped with pumpkin pie filling, whipped cream, pecans and caramel. Those who like variety can opt for a fall pancake flight, which also features the blueberry and lemon ricotta pancake and the s’mores mocha pancake. To round out the fall meal, pair them with the pumpkin spice latte or a toffee nut latte. jojocoffeehouse.com
Pumpkin Mousse Cheesecake at Streets of New York
No fall meal is complete without a fall dessert, and this pumpkin mousse cheesecake fits the bill. It has a classic graham cracker crust, filled with pumpkin cheesecake and a light pumpkin mousse topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. Even better is $1 of every Pumpkin Mousse Cheesecake slice sold through November will be donated to Childhelp. streetsofnewyork.com
