It’s Pumpkin SZN: Here are Heather’s local favorites!

Hello, fellow pumpkin spice lovers, this is a safe space for you.  I know razzing “basic bitches” for loving their PSLs has become a bit of a thing, but I truly think the only thing more basic than a love of Pumpkin Spice Lattes (and apple picking, blanket scarves, pumpkin patches, you get the idea) is making fun of “basic bitches” who love Pumpkin Spice Lattes.  I could get into how the very notion of a “basic bitch” is simply a symptom of a patriarchal society that takes every opportunity to cut young women down, but that’s another post for another day.  Instead what I’m going to do is share my favorite local pumpkin dishes and cocktails, because while delicious, there is more to pumpkin than a latte.

Pumpkin Mudslide, Fat Baby

As is customary, lets start with a cocktail.  Much like Adriana La Cerva, I love a mudslide (real ones know).  Fat Baby’s fall take is made with Cruzan vanilla rum, Kahlua, pumpkin, and Irish cream and I’m sure is very good for your stomach.

Iced PSL, Ashmont Grill

Let your basic bitch flag fly!  I am will not be shamed for my love of a boozy Iced PSL!  And you know what?  Since this here drink uses Apple Pie Baileys (in addition to vanilla vodka, espresso, house made pumpkin syrup, and milk) I don’t think it’s basic at all.

Pumpkin Daiquiri, Ashmont Grill

We tend to think of a daiquiri as a frozen drink, but that’s not really the case at all.  A daiquiri is simply a rum based drink that uses citrus and a sweetener.  Cut to Ashmont Grill’s Pumpkin Daiquiri, made with white rum, house made pumpkin syrup, and lemon.  Light and refreshing, just like me.

Pumpkin Spice Martini, Publico

Stoli vanilla vodka, house made pumpkin spice liqueur, Irish cream, and cold brew shaken with ice and served in a chilled martini glass is all I need in this world.  I for one love a drink in a martini glass, makes me feel like a fancy grown up lady while I’m slurring my words at brunch.   Oh and if anyone from Publico is reading this, how much for a bottle of that house made pumpkin spice liqueur?  Asking for me.

Pumpkin Pick Me Up, Lincoln

I am not a chef or a mixologist, or a very fancy person, but I can’t think of anything better to pair with a stack of pancakes than Lincoln’s Pumpkin Pick Me Up.  Vanilla vodka, pumpkin, and cold brew, what more could you want?

Pumpkin Spice French Toast, Publico

The description for Publico’s Pumpkin Spice French Toast reads like a who’s who of foods Heather Foley enjoys.  Pumpkin, French toast, whiskey whipped cream, bananas, and crushed pecans.  Listed as a brunch main course this would also be a delightful dessert for the table.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll, Ashmont Grill

A brioche roll (brioche is the superior roll, BTW) tossed in cinnamon and sugar baked with a pumpkin cream cheese glaze, and a brown sugar crumble all for legit the cost of a cup of coffee.  I am usually a cinnamon roll purist, but this is the cat’s pajamas.

Pumpkin Bisque, 224 Boston Street

I’d like to start off by saying it is ridiculously hard to find soup.  Why do so few restaurants have soup options?  I love soup!  And don’t you dare ask me “what about clam chowder?”, chowder is gross clam milk.  Anyhoo, 224 does an amazing pumpkin bisque with crème fresh and toasted pepitas, and it’s the prefect start to your meal.

Pumpkin Risotto, Amrhein’s

Roasted chicken, toasted pecans, sweet cranberries, and creamy risotto served in a roasted local pumpkin.  Not only is this delicious, it will be cute as hell on your Insta.

Pumpkin Gnocchi, Tavolo (Special)

Gnocchi is a funny little pasta that I love, but can never recreate at home, so thank God I don’t even have to try.  Tavolo gives me all the little pillowy pasta goodness I need in their Pumpkin Gnocchi.  Grilled chicken, handmade gnocchi, roasted 12 Moon Farm pumpkin and a pumpkin cream sauce, Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi could never.

Pumpkin Ravioli, Molinari’s

Now we’re cooking with gas!  House made raviolis stuffed with Ward’s Farm Winter Luxury roasted pumpkin (IDK what a “winter luxury” pumpkin is but it sounds like the kind of pumpkin I deserve), ricotta, and Parmigianino Reggiano cheese with a brown butter and sage pan sauce, finished with fresh cranberry confit relish.  I typically only trust cranberry sauce out of can but in this case I make an exception.

Fat Jack O’Lantern Cookies, Top Shelf Cookies

You know I love me some Top Shelf Cookies!  And though my forever fave is the Black and Golds, the autumnal Fat Jack O’Lanterns have a very special place in my heart.  This pumpkin chocolate chip cookie is made with Samuel Adams Fat Jack Double Pumpkin Ale, and baked in cookies is legit the only way I’ll consume beer, order yourself a six pack!

Pumpkin Cheesecake, 224 Boston Street

Picture it, Dorchester, 2020 (this is a Golden Girls joke because the girls loved cheesecake).  One of the things I love about pumpkin is its versatility.  It’s delicious in breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and dessert.  224 Boston Street serves up a smooth