We might be the only place in the country where fall feels like summer, but autumn in Los Angeles still means it’s time for pumpkin. But what about pumpkin cravings that go beyond traditional Thanksgiving pie and Starbucks lattes? Read on to find out where you can go around Los Angeles and Orange County for more creative takes on the fall gourd.
Pumpkin Facial @ Embody Esthetics
Now you can fix your face for fall for just fifty bucks! The tiny Embody Esthetics spa on South Robertson packs a pampering punch with its $49 Pumpkin Peel (regularly $100). Great for fighting free radicals, reducing superficial lines and maintaining moisture, the gentle peel is safe for any skin type, including acne and rosacea. Call 310-779-2444 to book an appointment. www.embodyesthetics.com
Pumpkin Cupcake @ Hansen’s Cakes
Finally, a cupcake that doesn’t cost more than lunch. Hansen’s mini cupcakes are just 50 cents and the best I’ve had in recent memory. The frosting itself is actually worth eating–creamy and fluffy and nowhere near the cloyingly sweet stuff on some of those other overhyped, overpriced cupcakes. www.hansencakes.com
Pumpkin Cocktails @ El Cid
El Cid is back with a recent facelift, new chef in the kitchen (from Ammo, no less) and harvest cocktails that’ll give you a warm, fuzzy feeling. Available through November 26, try the Maple Pumpkintini ($10) made with vanilla vodka, organic maple pumpkin butter (from local jammer Laura Ann’s Jams) and a touch of pumpkin spice. There’s also the Hot n Creamy Sailor ($10) with Sailor Jerry spiced rum, maple pumpkin butter and housemade hot buttered rum mix topped with whipped cream. www.elcidla.com
Pumpkin Enchiladas @ Mas Malo
Leave it to Mas Malo chef Robert Luna, the guy who came up with vegan menudo, to create an enchilada that’s so perfectly LA and so perfect for the season: creamy pumpkin enchiladas with kale mole. Need I say more? www.masmalorestaurant.com
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies @ Brite Spot
Another recently revamped historic Eastside hangout, the Brite Spot in Echo Park is a must this season if for nothing else than those ridiculously good, never-too-sweet pies. The banana cream is pretty much perfect, but I also love the pumpkin whoopie pies, which kick it up a notch with just a hint of cayenne pepper and a creamy mascarpone filling. www.facebook.com/britespot
Pumpkin Pedicure @ The Nail Lounge
Indulge your feet this fall with the Pampering Pumpkin Pedicure at the Nail Lounge in Costa Mesa. Intended to help dry, flaky and callused feet, the $72 treatment (which lasts about an hour and 15 minutes) includes a pumpkin scrub, warming pumpkin mask, leg and foot massage, warm paraffin wax treatment and, of course, pedicure. Even better, the treatment uses Bella Lucce products, which promote fair trade and organic ingredients. www.thenailloungeonline.com
Pumpkin Mojito @ Street
You can get your gourd on at Street with a pair of new pumpkin additions to the menu. There’s the pumpkin tortelli topped with cauliflower-hazelnut bagna cauda sauce, and the Pumpkin Mojito made with white rum, pumpkin puree, fresh mint leaves and cinnamon simple syrup. It’s like a tropical version of autumn in a glass. www.eatatstreet.com
Butterscotch Pot de Creme @ Haven Gastropub
Whether you’re at the Old Town Orange or Old Pasadena location, Haven Gastropub is where you can get the incredible butterscotch pot de creme made with pumpkin spice cake infused with Oban 14-year-old Scottish whiskey, candied squash and pumpkin seeds. It’s almost too pretty to eat. www.havengastropub.com
Pumpkin Sage Ravioli @ Fig & Olive
Fig & Olive is known for its flavorful (and amazingly butter-free) food and one of the standout dishes this season is the pumpkin sage ravioli made with free-range chicken, ricotta, pumpkin olive oil emulsion, toasted pumpkin seeds and Parmesan. At $26 it’s on the pricier side, but if you’re gonna splurge, may as well do it here. www.figandolive.com
Pumpkin Pie Soda @ Monsieur Marcel or Whole Foods
Forget the hot pumpkin latte. In LA, a cold drink probably makes more sense when it’s 80 degrees outside. My pick: Maine Root Pumpkin Pie Soda. It’s refreshing and bubbly and only around this time of year, so why not? www.maineroot.com
I can vouch for the whoopie pies – they were delicious — I hope to someday vouch for those raviolis from fig & olive – I can already tell they will be good!