The Great Pumpkin Watch 2007

PEAK OF THE SEASON
CITYFOOD'S ANNUAL SEARCH FOR THE GREAT PUMPKIN

It's that time of year again. When, according to Linus, the Great Pumpkin will arise from the most sincere pumpkin patch in the world and give toys to all deserving boys and girls. (Click for video here.)

Well, maybe.

We think great pumpkin is more likely to be found other places ... like in one of our local restaurant dishes, or in a pastry shop, or maybe even a cocktail. We're starting a sightings list here. If you think YOU know where the Great Pumpkin can be found, then write to us at contact (at) cityfood (dot) com and we will add your suggestion to the list.




PUMPKIN BEER - Vanilla Spiced Pumpkin Porter
Spinnakers, Victoria

This dark, full-bodied nectar is accented with plenty of spice and whole vanilla pods. Each batch is made with 20 to 30 locally grown, roasted pumpkins.

“We completely sold out of every drop we produced last year - it’s really become a seasonal favourite,� says publican, Paul Hadfield. “It’s a delicious dessert beer – it’s like having a slice of pumpkin pie in a glass.�

Getting everything timed right is the job of head brewer Rob Monk. Monk roasts the pumpkins using brown sugar, molasses, all spice & cinnamon. However he says the magic to the batch is in special vanilla pods Hadfield sources from Bali.

“We steep the vanilla pods in the finished product for a time – it adds that final finish that makes the beer so smooth,� he says. “This is the style of beer that makes people question what beer is and can be.�

The Vanilla Spiced Pumpkin Porter was first released last year to wide acclaim, and was featured to be enjoyed several ways – from a flavour fulfilling pint on its own, to being served as a dessert float poured over a spiced walnut ice cream. Extending it’s artisan roots, Spinnakers kitchen, bakery and on-site chocolaterie are whipping up a variety of other fanciful fall favourites that pair well with the Pumpkin Porter – or can stand up on their own very well. The bakery will be mixing up special pumpkin spice bread, while chocolatier Crystal Duck utilizes the varied flavours in the beer to “push her limits� creating special spiced chocolates inspired by the traditional tastes of fall.

“We do things a bit differently because we can,� says Hadfield. “These kinds of products celebrate who we are and where we live and are products of what we have around us locally.�

Vanilla Spiced Pumpkin Porter is in limited release and only available at Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub. 308 Catherine St., Victoria, B.C. 250-386-2739

Savoury:


ASSEFA'S TRADITIONAL ETHIOPIAN PUMPKIN STEW
A medium spicy, pumpkin stew dish with okra served on injera or rice. From Nyala Restaurant on Main Street.


NORTH ARM FARM PUMPKIN SOUP - With toasted Aldergrove hazelnuts and rosemary cream. From Chef James Walt’s 100 Mile Menu at Araxi.


ROASTED RED KURI SQUASH AND QUINCE SOUP - With smoked black cod, maple Dijon cream and jujube dates. From Chef Frank Pabst’s fall menu at Blue Water Cafe.


Sweet:

PUMPKIN MOUSSE IN FILO CUP - with coconut cake, mandarin sorbet, fresh asian pear and mandarin segments. From Pastry Chef Rhonda Viani’s dessert list at West.


PUMPKIN CREME BRULEE. At O Thai. This is apparently an actual Thai dish. Who knew?


PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE - scented with cinnamon and nutmeg and caramelised to order.
PUMPKIN PIE - with caramelised apples and cinnamon chantilly.
PUMPKIN MOUSSE CAKE - with crispy pumpkinseed wafers, amaretto bavarian and spiced cake. All from Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates and Patisserie.




CANDY

The PUMPKIN SPICE CHOCOLATES (in milk or dark chocolate) by Patiissier Edward Suter at
Schokolade Cafe (2263 East Hastings St.)

and the PUMPKIN TRUFFLES by Chef Greg Hook at Chocolate Arts on West 4th Ave., that are made with fresh organic pumpkin and available only in season.