How to Build a Cozy Fall Menu for NYC Kitchens
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Once the first cool breeze of fall rolls in every year, things start to change. Leaves slowly begin to take on new colors, menus shift to accommodate seasonal foods and customer preferences, and before we know it, a new season is upon us. Anticipating your guests’ expectations for fall foods and capitalizing on them is a smart move that benefits everyone. Seasonal menus prove useful in attracting more customers and increasing profits. People are statistically more likely to order specific foods if they’re marketed as seasonal. So, let’s explore how you can build the perfect fall menu for your restaurant.
Take Full Advantage of Seasonal Produce
Fall and winter bring robust produce with earthy, slightly sweet flavors. By sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients, you’re bringing the best of these flavors to your customers. Not only will this help you maximize your food’s quality, but it will also draw in customers who crave specific seasonal items that are only available for a limited period. Buying wholesale produce or in bulk from a reliable food service distributor also allows you to secure better pricing and plan for larger batch cooking, which is especially useful for high-demand ingredients. Here are some of the top seasonal produce NYC chefs use for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, fall and winter menus:
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkin
- Apples
- Pears
- Root Vegetables
- Brussel Sprouts
- Potatoes
- Cabbage
Best Fall Produce for Cozy, Warming Dishes
Incorporating the vibrant colors and earthy flavors of fall produce into your menu is easy. Here are some of the best produce to incorporate in your seasonal menus:
1. Apples
Apples are a hallmark of fall, lending both sweetness and a crisp texture to seasonal dishes. Their refreshing flavor adds depth to a variety of fall menu items.
- Taste: Sweet to tart depending on the variety, with a crisp, juicy bite.
- Selection: Look for firm apples without bruising, choosing specific varieties based on intended use. Varieties like Honeycrisp are ideal for fresh use, while Granny Smith is perfect for baking.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dark place or refrigerate for longer shelf life. After cutting, cover slices with lemon juice or store in water to prevent browning, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Chef’s Uses: Fresh, fall apples lend themselves to a variety of dessert recipes, including the classic apple crisp and apple cobbler. They also make wonderful, juicy side dishes for roasted meats. If you really want to spoil your guests with a warm, spicy fall treat, consider including some apple cider on your menu this season.
2. Pears
Pears offer a mellow sweetness and tender texture that makes them ideal for both dessert and savory dishes. Their natural juiciness and subtle aroma are perfect for fall dishes.
- Taste: Mildly sweet with a soft, juicy texture.
- Selection: Choose pears that yield slightly to pressure near the stem; avoid those with blemishes.
- Storage: Ripen at room temperature, then refrigerate.
- Chef’s Uses: They’re a classic ingredient in crostinis, pies, crisps, and jams. Experiment by adding them to salad, rice pudding, or bread, use them to make delicious turnovers, wrap them in puff pastry, or poach them in cranberries and red wine.
3. Winter Squash
With its dense, creamy texture, winter squash brings richness and warmth to fall dishes. Its versatility makes it ideal for both main courses and side dishes.
- Taste: Sweet and nutty, with a dense, creamy texture.
- Selection: Pick squash that feels heavy for its size and has a hard, blemish-free rind.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place for several weeks. Once cut, refrigerate and use within 3-5 days.
- Chef’s Uses: Beyond the classic Roasted butternut squash, You can serve it as a main course or side dish, add it to pasta or tacos, mix it into a salad, or turn it into soup.
4. Potatoes
Potatoes are an autumn staple, prized for their comfort-food appeal. With their mild flavor and versatile texture, they’re a perfect addition to hearty dishes.
- Taste: Earthy and mild, with a creamy or fluffy texture.
- Selection: Choose firm potatoes without green spots or sprouts.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dark, and dry place. Submerge cut pieces in water in the fridge to prevent browning, and use within 1-2 days.
- Chef’s Uses: A delicious Shepherd’s Pie is always welcome during the cold season, but so is a cheesy potato casserole or a creamy potato soup. The sky’s the limit when it comes to cooking with potatoes.
5. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are synonymous with fall and bring a slightly sweet, earthy flavor that works well across sweet and savory applications, from soups to pies.
- Taste: Mildly sweet with a dense, creamy texture.
- Selection: Choose smaller, firm pumpkins for cooking.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry area. After cutting, refrigerate.
- Chef’s Uses: From the iconic pumpkin pie to hearty pumpkin soups and creamy pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkins add that seasonal flavor to any dish.
6. Root Vegetables
Rich in earthy flavors and vibrant colors, root vegetables add depth and heartiness to fall menus. Carrots, beets, parsnips, celeriac and yams are essential for cold season menus.
- Taste: Earthy, with natural sweetness that deepens when roasted.
- Selection: Choose firm, brightly colored roots without blemishes.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dark place for longevity. Keep cut pieces in water in the fridge to prevent drying and discoloration and use within 1-2 days.
- Chef’s Uses: Roasting carrots, parsnips, and beets enhances their sugars, creating a caramelized exterior and tender center – perfect for sides. For an unexpected twist, try puréeing root vegetables into sauces or incorporating them into grain bowls for a colorful, cozy touch.
7. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts develop a nutty, caramelized flavor when roasted, making them a standout fall vegetable with a unique texture and taste.
- Taste: Slightly bitter and earthy; becomes nutty when roasted.
- Selection: Choose tight, green heads without yellowing leaves.
- Storage: Refrigerate in a breathable bag for a few days.
- Chef’s Uses: Roasted Brussels sprouts can be paired with balsamic glaze and pancetta for a crowd-pleasing side, while sautéing with garlic brings out a simpler, savory note. A popular option is to slice them thinly into salads for a raw, crunchy texture that complements autumnal ingredients.
8. Cabbage
With its crisp texture and mild pepperiness, cabbage brings a fresh note to hearty fall dishes. It’s versatile for both raw and cooked preparations.
- Taste: Mildly peppery and crisp, with a slightly sweet undertone.
- Selection: Look for firm heads with tightly packed leaves.
- Storage: Refrigerate in a breathable bag for up to two weeks.
- Chef’s Uses: Cabbage offers a crisp, refreshing bite that contrasts with many heavier fall flavors. Slow-braising cabbage with apples and vinegar makes a perfect, tangy side for meats, while raw cabbage adds crunch to fall salads. For a more complex dish, try stuffing cabbage leaves with seasoned meats or grains, creating a warm and inviting option for colder months.
Embrace Fall Decor for a Cozy Vibe
Creating a cozy fall ambiance in your restaurant will uplift your customers and set the tone for the season. Decorate tables with mini pumpkins or gourds, dried leaves, or rustic wood elements that bring the outdoors inside. Soft, ambient lighting from candles or lanterns adds warmth, while earth-toned napkins or tablecloths capture the colors of the season.
Prepare for the Winter Menu
Transitioning to winter doesn’t require a full overhaul, since most fall ingredients naturally lend themselves to winter’s hearty, comforting dishes. Fall produce can evolve seamlessly into winter staples by slightly shifting preparation techniques. Prioritize roasting, braising, and slow cooking methods, and add seasonal, warming spices to create hearty dishes that are nourishing and comforting.
Source Quality Wholesale Produce with Riviera Produce
Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor will your fall menu be complete overnight, so take your time experimenting with different ideas. Designing the perfect cozy fall menu for your restaurant means bringing in new seasonal flavors and mixing them to create the most inviting dishes for your customers to enjoy. But don’t fret! With a reliable food wholesaler like Riviera by your side, you’re well on your way to a successful fall dining season.