Pumpkin, the quintessential autumn flavor, is popping up on the menus and in the display cases of eateries nationwide.
Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte - a concoction of espresso, pumpkin-flavored syrup and steamed milk that's topped with sweetened whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices - is the season's pièce de résistance to many. It's a delectable accompaniment to the coffee giant's pumpkin scones and pumpkin-cheesecake muffins.
Einstein Bros. Bagel shops dish up pumpkin walnut crunch bagels, pumpkin cream-cheese bagel poppers, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin scones and frozen pumpkin latte. There are pumpkin bagels, cream cheese and coffee at Bruegger's, too.
Pumpkin cheesecake looms large at The Cheesecake Factory. Dunkin' Donuts has pumpkin donuts and Pumpkin Mocha and Pumpkin White Chocolate-flavored coffees and lattes.
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Tucson-area restaurants and bakeries have jumped on the pumpkin haywagon as well, serving one-of-a-kind items with the robust pumpkin flavor, often laced with a mix of spices that announce fall's arrival.
Here are a few of our favorite pumpkin picks. Find more on Page 6.
Pancakes
Robert's Restaurant
3301 E. Grant Road, 795-1436, robertstucson.com
A hometown staple since 1978. the family-owned Robert's prides itself on friendly service - servers who remember you and your preferences -and home-style cooking, from fresh breads and pie crusts made from scratch to meats ground on site.
Robert's pumpkin pancakes are a delightful way to start an autumn day. About 8 inches across, they are light and so sweetly flavorful that there is no need for the butter and syrup that accompanies them.
• How much: $8.29 for 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, 2 slices of bacon, coffee or tea.
• Hours: 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays.
Fudge, bonbons
Sabino Artisan Chocolates
10110 N. Oracle Road in Oro Valley, 989-0466. Sabinochocolates.com
Light orange pumpkin fudge, with and without nuts, is among the seasonal offerings in Sabino's sparkling display cases. Intense sweetness is followed by a subtle but distinct taste of pumpkin - a little bit packs a powerful sweet-pumpkin wallop.
The bonbons - smooth pumpkin cream encased in chocolate - can be eaten in one bite, but at least two bites is recommended to savor the delicate mix of flavors. The bonbons have no preservatives, so it's best to store them in a cool, dark place and eat them within two weeks (which shouldn't be a problem).
• How much: Fudge, $12.99 per pound; bonbons, $1.60 each.
• Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Hours will be extended between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Pumpkin bar
Village Bakehouse
7882 N. Oracle Road, 531-0977. Villagebakehouse.com
The sweet, yeasty aromas waft onto the sidewalk and seating area in front of Village Bakehouse. It is reminiscent of a small-town bakery and cafe: artisan breads, yummy sandwiches and pastries and enough treats to give you a sweet-toothache.
People rave about pumpkin muffins at Village Bakehouse, but our pick is the seasonal pumpkin bar.
With "bar" in the name, we expected the texture of a brownie or a lemon bar. We were surprised - pleasantly so - at the moist, cakelike texture of the richly spiced bar topped with a not-too-sweet frosting.
• How much: $4.50 per bar.
• Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays.
Cream puffs
Amelia Grey's Cafe & Catering
3073 N. Campbell Ave., 326-2663. Ameliagreyscafe.com
This cafe moved in the spring from Copper Country Antiques to its bright spot on North Campbell Avenue. Owner Annette Hartman says all of the goodies, like scones and cakes in the display case, are housemade - except the cream puffs, which are from Bite Me Gourmet, a pastry company that delivers éclairs and cupcakes (www.bitemegourmet.com).
Rich, smooth, and not overly sweet pumpkin cream is enveloped by a delicate puffed pastry and finished with a pecan topping.
• How much: $2.50 each.
• Hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays.
Empanadas
La Estrella Bakery
5266 S. 12th Ave. and 100 S. Avenida del Convento, 741-0656.
A south-side landmark for about 25 years and a cornerstone of the Mercado San AgustÃn downtown, La Estrella's authentic Mexican pastries and baked goods - fresh doughnuts, tortillas, cakes and buñuelos (fried pastry coated with cinnamon and sugar) - make your mouth water just driving into the parking lot.
It's the empanadas, turnovers stuffed with fruit, that keep us coming back again and again. And again. While the pumpkin empanadas are available year-round, their light, flaky pastry with rich, not-too-sweet pumpkin seem even better in the fall.
• How much: $6.60 per dozen or 60-cents each.
• Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays.
Gelato
Frost A Gelato Shoppe
7131 N. Oracle Road, in Casas Adobes shopping center, 797-0188; 2905 E. Skyline Drive in La Encantada, 299-0315; 7301 E. Tanque Verde Road, 886-0354. Frostgelato.com
Every October, Frost heralds the fall holidays by adding a creamy, slightly spiced pumpkin gelato to its lineup of gelato and sorbet confections. It melts smoothly on the tongue and yields a mild yet distinct flavor.
Frost will have pumpkin gelato through October and possibly into November.
• How much: $3.98 for 4 ounces.
• Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Pumpkin Cranberry Bread
Beyond Bread
421 W. Ina Road, 461-1111; 3026 N. Campbell Ave., 322-9965 and 6260 E. Speedway, 747-7477. Beyondbread.com
Beyond Bread's seasonal favorite is full of cranberries that contrast with and complement the pumpkin's sweetness. The autumnal spice blend lingers a moment and whets the palate for another bite. The generous seed topping is the icing on the cake, so to speak.
The presentation of tube-pan baked bread - wrapped in cellophane and tied with an orange bow - makes it a welcome gift, potluck item or office treat.
• How much: $8.99 per loaf.
• Hours: 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays.
