Pumpkins in the City

Few things are more synonymous with fall than pumpkins. From picking to pies and smashing to craving, pumpkins are wonderful for all things autumn, especially Thanksgiving. Some New York City spots are taking advantage of the local bounty for delicious tastes this holiday.

Let's get to the most important "dish" first that we'll all need to survive the holidays- a cocktail. Todd's Mill on the Lower East Side has introduced Hot Pumpkin Buttered Rum to their beverage program just in time. Owner Matt Suchomski's grandmother made her own pumpkin pie filling (because grandmas are awesome) and this recipe is inspired by this childhood favorite. Made with pumpkins from Migliorelli Farm in Upstate New York, the pie filling is mixed with creamy butter and aged rum for this soul-warming cocktail. Cheers to that!

Chef Chad Minton of Andaz 5th Avenue cooks up pumpkin risotto with crispy kale and fig balsamic as a vegetarian and gluten-free dinner option this week. The slow-cooked Italian dish is made with ingredients purchased at the Union Square Greenmarket. 

Pie is no longer restricted to a tin. New York Central at the Grand Hyatt added pumpkin pie in a glass to their dessert menu. The creamy custard dish of pumpkin, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg is topped with caramelized walnuts. The pumpkins come from a small farmer's stand alongside a road in Granite Springs, NY. Too good to turn down, the restaurant's Executive Chef brought back the fall goods to Executive Pastry Chef Gonzalo Jimenez to create this tasty, seasonal dessert.

Whether looking for a delicious and cozy cocktail or an autumn treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, New York has it all. From Manhattan to Montauk and the Catskills to the Finger Lakes, our great state offers many things we can be thankful for.

Be thankful this year for all you have been blessed with and enjoy every bite with your loved ones this year. Happy Thanksgiving!