Savor the Flavors of Fall in the Chicago Southland

Fall has arrived and one thing is for sure - it’s the season of pumpkin spice. Among the eateries in the area, you’ll find menus shifting from the fruity summer sips and bites to pumpkin and apple flavors, chilis and hearty comfort foods. Looking to find some seasonal cuisine and treats to indulge in? Here are a few to consider:

Franklins Pie Co., Palos Heights

This casual cafe offers a variety of freshly baked pies, fresh-brewed coffee, sandwiches and more. On the menu all year round is their scrumptious “Apple of My Eye” pie made with sweet and tart apples, cinnamon, house made caramel and traditional all-butter crust.

They are also currently offering their Pumpkin Cake with Cheesecake and Pecan Streusel, which is also gluten-free. In October, pumpkin pie will be the featured pie of the month and in November they’ll switch to pecan pie as the monthly feature. If you like pumpkin-spiced beverages, you’ll love their homemade pumpkin spice syrup that can be added to lattes and coffees. Also, keep an eye on the bagel offerings for a possible limited time seasonal flavor.

On the sandwich front, you can get an early taste of Thanksgiving with their roasted turkey club with cranberry aioli, which is on the menu throughout the year.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Orland Park

You can always expect to find some amazing seasonal specialties on the menu at Cooper’s Hawk, along with a perfectly paired glass of wine. Back on the menu is their customer favorite Short Rib Grilled Cheese with Tomato Bisque - an upscale version of the perfect comfort food combination. Other seasonal specials include the Crispy Barbacoa Arancini, which includes Ancho Braised Short Rib, Grilled Sweet Corn and Pickled Shallot Relish, Ancho Salsa, Cilantro Aioli and Cotija Cheese and the Shanghai Braised Short Ribs, made with Soy Chili Glaze, Roasted Broccolini, Shiitake Mushrooms and Wasabi Mashed Potatoes.

Bonefish Grill, Orland Park

You’ll love the way that this American casual dining seafood spot incorporates fall flavors with hearty sides and combination meals as they do with the Swordfish and Pumpkin Ravioli. The dish includes wood-grilled swordfish topped with crispy onions, crumbled feta, crispy sage and a hint of brown butter served with pumpkin ravioli and steamed broccoli. Be sure to save room for the pumpkin crème brûlée and apple cider cheesecake.

Bartolini’s Restaurant & Catering, Midlothian

We’re also in the midst of Oktoberfest celebrations and if you’re looking for a plate of German cuisine and an imported German brew to wash it down with, Bartolini’s is your place. Right now, they’re serving up pork schnitzel with breaded dumplings and green beans and bratwurst with spaetzle and sauerkraut with brown butter and a Hofbrau Oktoberfestbeir. Prost!

The regular menu is full of scrumptious pastas and comforting dishes and if you’re feeling especially hungry on a chilly, damp autumn day, you may want to give their 10-pound meatball sandwich challenge a try.

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