Keep Warm This Fall With Hearty Comforts

Now that the 90-degree temperatures are behind us, we’re not limited to dishes that are only served cold. So long gazpacho, outdoor grilling, ice cream cones, refrigerated salads, and hordes of fresh watermelon and seafood. Our palates are ready for warm, hearty, filling meals to get us through these Arctic, 60-degree temperatures.

Despite the lack of winter weather, we still have those annual cravings for all things hearty — any kind of potato or apple, pasta, soup, ramen, or any dish with the description of roasted or stewed. Take your cravings around town to taste what Atlanta restaurants have to offer this season.

• Oak Steakhouse (www.oaksteakhouseatlanta.com) in Alpharetta has whipped up a dessert that doesn’t just insinuate fall; it screams the season. Order the Sweet Potato Cheesecake with gingersnap crust, house-made marshmallows, candied pumpkin seeds and caramel sauce.
• Canoe’s menu (www.canoeatl.com) changes with the seasons, and so does its landscape. The beautiful setting of this restaurant by the river provides the perfect backdrop to any fall comfort food. The lunch menu has a Creamy Butternut Squash soup with lime cream and seed vinaigrette. Or opt for the Truffled House-Made French Fries With Parmesan and Rosemary.
• The steakhouse staple that has served the suburb of Dunwoody for decades, McKendrick’s (www.mckendricks.com), is just as famous for its signature sides as it is for its steaks. A creamy, savory and truly special treat to order this time of year is risotto. Try the Wild Mushroom Risotto alongside an entrée or just load up on this delicious side dish.
• The newest Midtown spot to open its doors is Italian-focused, Allora (www.alloraatl.com). The pasta selection is sure to warm you up on any chilly day. One of this restaurant’s signature dishes is the creamy Cacio e Pepe. Simply put, this house-made pasta with olive oil, butter, black pepper and grated Pecorino Romano cheese is as comforting as a dish can be.

• For a soul-satisfying bowl of ramen, set your GPS to Jinya (jinya-ramenbar.com). There are two Atlanta locations: Sandy Springs and Buckhead. My go-to order is the Spicy Chicken Ramen with fried Brussels sprouts.
• Looking for a lighter dish that still uses all the autumnal flavors? Head to Decatur for Wahoo Grill’s seasonal menu (www.wahoogrilldecatur.com). You’ll find an array of fall salads, from Warm Farro with butternut squash, honey-mustard vinaigrette and kale chips to Apple & Radicchio with toasted pine nuts, goat cheese and champagne vinaigrette or the Persimmons and Pomegranate with arugula, radish, Mindoro blue and cardamom-lime vinaigrette.
• If you’re in the Sandy Springs area on a Sunday morning, Under the Cork Tree (corktreerestaurant.com) is the best stop to make. The restaurant is known for bright and fresh Mediterranean dishes, but the Sunday brunch is providing a whole new range to Under the Cork Tree’s menu concept. Try the Bourbon Apple Bread Pudding for all the sweet flavors of fall in one bite.
• Greenwoods (greenwoodsongreenstreet.com) is the classic restaurant to remember when the craving for deep-dish pie hits. The restaurant’s apple pie is a classic. Order in store, take your pie home or bring it to your neighborhood potluck. If you’re in the mood for something savory instead, try the pot roast with local grass-fed beef brisket with carrots, onion and celery topped with brown gravy. Don’t forget to pair the pot roast with hearty sides such as mashed potatoes and honey-glazed carrots.

Stay up to date with the best food and restaurants in Atlanta. Follow Taste of Atlanta on Facebook, Instagram (@TasteofAtlanta) and Twitter (@TasteofAtlanta). You can also follow my food stories on Instagram at @skyemichelle58.

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Skye Estroff is the marketing and media manager for Atlanta’s largest food festival, Taste of Atlanta. She is an Atlanta native, a University of Georgia grad and an expert in Atlanta’s best food.