If you live in Los Angeles, you know there is no shortage of good food. And no time is that more true than during the holidays. During these crisp fall months, it seems that everywhere you turn, you can find tasty pumpkin treats – a mainstay of the pre-Thanksgiving season. Here are a few of my favorite pumpkin picks from around the ‘hood.
1525 N. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
There’s a reason the ice cream at Mashti Malone’s is continuously voted the best in Los Angeles. They specialize in exotic ice cream flavors such as rosewater saffron, cardamom, and mango ginger. But, this time of year, you can find their highly anticipated pumpkin ice cream. To say it’s creamy is an understatement. The cool concoction is handmade by the pint, and flavored with deep pumpkin pie spices – fresh pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. The color is beautiful. Once you’re done, check out their exotic array of Persian treats and candies.
Photo courtesy of Yelp user Andrew Y.
9635 South Santa Monica Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The Sprinkles phenomenon is here to stay. And, this decedent pumpkin cupcake is no exception to the dozens of other delicious flavors offered by the chain. A rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting off sets the pumpkin pie spiced cake. Every bite is a sweet fall treat. If you get there after closing time, there’s no need to panic. You can pick up a pumpkin cupcake through Sprinkle’s popular cupcake ATM. If you haven’t tried it the ATM, it’s worth the experience. But, pick your day wisely because these pumpkin beauties are only available Wednesdays and Fridays
Three Southern California locations
Photo courtesy of Yelp user W.L.
I remember my first Kay and Dave’s pumpkin margarita, like it was yesterday. Wait, it was yesterday. But, I can’t wait to have another of these deliciously fresh beverages. And while a pumpkin margarita or mojito might seem a bit odd, the flavor combination is crave-worthy. The pumpkin flavor is slight, but enough to offset the natural spiciness of the tequila. If you’re interested in dessert, the pumpkin flan is a rich, thick custard treat. If you haven’t visited this fresh Mexican eatery, now is a good time. Choose from Culver City, Pacific Palisades and Brentwood locations.
Various Southern California locations
Trader Joe’s is Los Angeles’ one stop shop for healthy eats and pumpkin everything – pumpkin bread, pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin coffee, pumpkin pancake mix and more. You can also pick up actual pumpkins, in all shapes and sizes, for super cheap. It’s enough to make your head explode if you’re a lover all things pumpkin this time of year. My new favorite is their warm and inviting pumpkin spice rooibos tea. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like the brightly colored tin it comes in too.
So, moms, where do you get your pumpkin fix in Los Angeles this time of year?
