There are not to many seasons that are evidenced by placing a vegetable on your front porch. As pumpkins start popping up in yards and pumpkin spice seasoning starts dominating menus, it can only mean one thing, fall is really here. Pumpkins are a member of the squash family, which seems to be a slightly misunderstood vegetable group. They are often used as table centerpieces or hollowed out Halloween doorstops while their culinary potential is overlooked. Some of the common varieties such as acorn, butternut and summer squash as well as the pumpkin, can be found at quite a few different restaurants around Jackson.
Acorn Squash in all their colorful glory
Cafe Genevieve showcases butternut squash in its fall vegetable manicotti. The homemade pasta dish is served with ricotta, roasted carrots, spinach, brown butter, and sage.
Snake River Grill brings home the flavors of the season with their roasted pumpkin soup. Served with butter poached lobster, pumpkin seeds, and kafir lime, it is a luxurious treat.
Jackson Whole Grocer Has a couple different squash offerings. You can, of course, buy one to cook at home either whole, or cut in half and stuffed from their prepared food department. They are also running a special on pie pumpkins, great for sweet or savory dishes, for 99 cents a pound through Oct. 18.
Pumpkin Spice Donuts from Delish Donuts
Delish Donuts. If you are feeling like something sweet, Delish donuts in Alpine is your spot. Their pumpkin spice donuts go great with a fresh brewed coffee in the morning
The Kitchen. Despite its name, the summer squash latke is a perfect fall dish. Instead of a traditional, potato heavy latke, The Kitchen makes theirs with shredded zucchini, summer squash, and carrots topped with and avocado creme fraiche.
Local. Although best known for their steaks and burgers, their steakhouse style sides are just about as good as the main course counterparts. In addition to their crispy Brussels sprouts and bacon or truffled mashed potatoes, they offer a butternut squash hash which is a perfect accompaniment to one of their many cuts of meat.
Il Villagio Osteria doesn’t skimp when it comes to squash in their perfected risotto. Butternut and acorn squash are married with adobo seasoning and speck ham to create a dish perfect for sharing or to be enjoyed on its own.
Q Roadhouse has one of the most creative uses of squash on their menu. Their From the Roots farmstand burrata includes sautéed chanterelle mushrooms, pickled butternut squash, cranberry gastrique, and crushed hazelnuts.
Rendezvous Bistro celebrates the season’s harvest with their autumn vegetable salad. The hearty salad is prepared with butternut squash, cauliflower, beets, romenesco, kale, and a honey sage vinaigrette.
Pumpkins can make an amazing soup too
The Silver Dollar Grill offers a hearty vegetarian option that incorporates fall flavors. Their roasted vegetable Napoleon is stacked with spinach, Portabella Mushrooms, two kinds of squash, asparagus, and a cauliflower coulis.
Trio’s Buffalo tenderloin is one of the highlights of their menu. Rather than go with the traditional accompaniments, you will find cornmeal crusted squash, coriander tomatillo sauce, and a pineapple pico de gallo on the plate.
The Handle Bar If your looking for a hearty fall salad, The Handle Bar is a great option. Their chop salad comes with squash, Bulger wheat, and sumac to beef up the already satisfying plate.
