Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Bring On the Pumpkin

For the past month I have been enjoying all things pumpkin. Pumpkin pie. Pumpkin latte. Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins (see prior post for recipe!). Pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin carving. And you know what? I am going to ride this all the way through November!

The other night I went to my favorite ice cream shop in Manhattan, Sundaes and Cones. If the smell of waffle cones doesn't suck you in, their perfectly creamy texture and adventurous flavors are a sure bet. I walked in with my mind set on the pumpkin ice cream, knowing that if I was open to the possibility of another flavor I would stray all too easily. I'm so glad I stuck to my original intention! It tasted strongly of pumpkin but had enough dairy (and at Sundaes and Cones this means thick cream), sugar, and cinnamon to avoid tasting too much like pumpkin puree. It was a fully satisfying and definitely filling dessert. I also had a bite of my friend's Red Orange Sorbet, which was much lighter in texture and perfectly refreshing! Mmmmm



Tonight I met a friend for happy hour at Tom and Jerry's in Nolita. We got the Brooklyn Brewery Pumpkin Ale to continue the pumpkin trend. The only other pumpkin beer I've had this season was the Dogfish Head Punkin' Ale. They were both delicious and I wish I could taste them in immediate juxtaposition, but from what I recall of the Punkin' Ale, it was sweeter than the Brooklyn Brewery Pumpkin Ale. Plenty of cinnamon and nutmeg in each. Since my memory fogs any further comparison, I'll conclude with saying that both were delightful and hit the spot in each occasion.

In a non-pumpkin-related note...

Awesome restaurant heads-up: Broome Street Bar. I went prior to hitting up Sundaes and Cones. A friend took me here promising a good burger and I'm happy to report that I was not misled! The burger was served in a pita, which was an unconventional approach to such a familiar meal. While some people are big on the bun, I thought this pita/burger combo was absolute perfection because the burger itself was grilled to juicy impeccability and deserved the spotlight. I got blue cheese on mine and it rocked. In addition to a delicious meal (including a side of thick fries), this place impressed me with its atmosphere. It has character! It was chill and inviting...perfect for a burger and a beer. Just be prepared to roll up your sleeves to tackle the burger! Kudos to my friend who brought me here.