Passionate about pumpkin? Bypass the pie and seize these seasonal eats
Darwin’s
In the spirit of Halloween, this brand-new Bucktown bar has concocted a rather scary snack: pumpkin-wasabi “corndogs” with mandarin orange ketchup. 1935 N. Damen Ave. 773-772-3719.
The Lucky Platter
Pumpkin puree is blended with bananas, jalapenos, ginger and cilantro to make a kicky Caribbean pumpkin soup. $3 bowl, $2 cup. 514 Main St., Evanston, 847-869-4064.
Chilpancingo Restaurante
Try the calabaza entacha, a traditional Mexican dessert of pickled pumpkin braised in raw sugar and cinnamon. It’s served warm, topped with vanilla ice cream and hot caramel. $6. 358 W. Ontario St. 312-266-9525.
Scooter’s Frozen Custard
Imagine how pumpkin pie would taste if you popped it in the freezer. The pumpkin custard “concrete” ($4.25) is pounded out with graham cracker pieces and topped with whipped cream and cracker crumbs. 1658 W. Belmont Ave. 773-244-6415.
4 Taste
Pumpkin-flavored gnocchi, Spanish serrano ham and caramelized walnuts are topped with a reduced apple cider vinegar sauce. $9.95. 415 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-226-7850.
