Poor Linus. Since 1966 the poor kid’s been waiting for an imaginary flying pumpkin. Maybe its just an elaborate ruse to hang out in the dark with Sally, but after 40 years I’d be ready for some serious Peanut-style justice — like heading out to the patch with a fork and a can of whipped cream.
What he never fully grasped: Pie is what pumpkins do best (along with ravioli, soup, cheesecake and truffles). Not flying around at night.
In honor of the ever-optimistic blanketed-one, BiteClub’s sussed out squashy goodness around SoCo. Filled with health-giving beta-carotene and vitamins, pumpkin is the good-for-you veggie that’s one of the best things about fall. Something Linus always knew.
Betty’s Bakery: The newly opened Betty’s Bakery (next door to Betty’s Fish and Chips) is a butter-scented slice of flaky heaven. Though best known for their fried fish and fries, co-owner Susan Corso has been making pies since she was a girl. Her lush Lemon Cloud and award-winning peach-raspberry pies are already well know, but this week she’s started baking a light and airy pumpkin will win your heart. The bakery opens at 8am each morning and features muffins, cookies and purse-sized pies (so you don’t have to share) daily. 4046 Sonoma Hwy., Santa Rosa, (707) 539-0899
Willie Bird’s; It’s no surprise this turkey-centric classic makes a mean pumpkin pie. When everyday is Thanksgiving you’re bound to get it right. Best bet is to load up on mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce for total immersion. 1150 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 542-0861.
Pumpkin Whiskey Cheesecake: Schellville Grill’s new pastry chef Emily Naga does killer cheesecakes to order, including her tipsy pumpkin cheesecake and plain pumpkin. (22900 Broadway, Sonoma, 996-5151.)
Pumpkin Pie Truffles: Wine Country Chocolates makes a seasonal chocolate truffle that’s everything good about fall in a single bite.(14301 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen,996-1010.)
Pumpkin Soup: Jeffrey’s Hillside Cafe plans to have pumpkin soup with curry on the menu in early November. If you can wait that long. (2901 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 546-6317)
Pumpkin Curry: Sea Thai bistro’s red pumpkin curry is a tasty way to get your fall squash with some Asian flare. (2323 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa, 528-8333)
Haute Pumpkin: Michelin-starred Madrona Manor (1001 Westside Road Healdsburg, 800-258-4003) elevates the humble pumpkin to a culinary masterpiece, pairing the Japanese Kabocha (a greenish pumpkin) with lobster, ancho chile puree and white chocolate froth.
Budget-friendly: Costco’s $5.99 pumpkin pie isn’t half bad and it’s enough to feed a hungry crowd. Similarly, Marie Callender’s (2460 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, 547-0747) is offering up their pumpkin pies for $6.99 through the end of October.
And dont’ forget Mom’s Apple Pie, always serving up SoCo’s favorite double-crust pies. 4550 Gravenstein Hwy. North, Sebastopol, 823-8330.
Want more? Check out my Best Pies blog.
Yes, the Cristo is the bomb at Willies but it’s hard to get a bad meal there…another place for good pumpkin pie is Costco. They were sampling it the other day and I had to go back twice! I was surprised that the crust was so good, (not quite as good as mine but good).
Hey – we eat at Willies all the time! There is always a diverse population there… it’s a Fabullous meal and yes, the Monte Cristo is “Bomb!”
Sorry Alice, but I’d have to say my pumpkin pie is the best, it all starts with the crust and fresh baked pumpkin. The only problem is my parents always want atleast two each year =)
I was at Humble Pie (in Penngrove) for dinner the other night. After a delightful meal (as always…LOVE that place), I had a slice of the Spiced Apple pie and my dining companion had a slice of the Pumpkin pie. We traded bites and OMG, that pumpkin pie was a slice of heaven! I know the pies rotate depending on what’s available fruit/vegetable wise, but I have a feeling that the Pumpkin pie will be around for a while. Man, it was tasty!
I only wish Humble Pie were in Santa Rosa, so it would be closer to my house. However, it’s Penngrove location is probably better for my waistline.
i think carrows makes a pretty goodpie .. if you catch it right.. its still warm,,, because carrows cares..lol
I’ve never been a pumpkin pie fan. I don’t hate it, but I can easily do without. Something about the texture just doesn’t sit right with me. But my son is a pumpkin pie fanatic! He looks forward to holidays because of his grandma’s famous pumpkin pie with homemade whipping cream.
This entry makes me wonder, which one is YOUR favorite? And what would you recommend for a girl that wants to love pumpkin pie, but just hasn’t come across the right one yet?
Hi Heather, I heard you yesterday morning on KZST talking about pumpkin pie.
I had to laugh when you said you were the youngest person at Willie Birds.
My 15 year old son, Nicolas, has been going to Willie Birds since he was a baby.
It is one of his favorite restaurants. He always orders the same thing, a Cristo sandwich.
According to him “it’s the Bomb!”. When he is older he wants to work there as a busboy
just to be able to eat his favorite sandwich.
We go to Willie Birds about 3-4 times a year and we do always seem to be the youngest
people there, but their food is delicious. Thanks for the heads-up on the pumpkin pie.
We have never tried it but now will make a point to check it out.
The best pumpkin pie is at my mom’s house!!!! made with lots of love and a sprinkle of whipped cream!
I’m on the hook (again) this year to bring the pumpkin pie to Thanksgiving. I always use a fresh pumpkin and a butter crust. After tasting the pumpkin pie from Village Bakery I’ve decided bring a ‘purchased’ VB pie this year, omg.
Downtown Bskery in Healdsburg makes great pumpkin pie.