Many people associate fall flavors with joyful memories, safety and comfort, much like how people seek out fresh vegetables come summertime. Fall season memories reflect warmth and coziness, with pumpkin, berry, caramel and apple flavors delivering added bonuses to the overall feeling of relaxation.
Autumn's cool winds are a welcome reprieve, along with a variety of comfort foods, before colder winter weather whisks in. Even crackling fireplaces with freshly made popcorn make movie nights better during fall months.
Whatever fall foods come to mind, there are plenty of Chesterfield restaurants delivering outstanding choices. Chesterfield Lifestyle is happy to spotlight a few here.
COZY UP TO THE MELTING POT
One can't go wrong with any of the fondues at the Melting Pot, says Karen Barnett, co-owner. "They're a welcome treat, especially when we seek warm coziness."
Located at 294 Lamp and Lantern Village in Chesterfield, the Melting Pot is home to cheese blends that originate from Wisconsin creameries. Karen says she and her husband, John, opened the Melting Pot of Town & Country during 2003. "For many years we've been part of our guests' celebrations and special occasions, and we're happy to help everyone make new memories in the future," she adds.
She says autumn is a great time to embrace their classic Alpine cheese, which has a small amount of nutmeg sprinkled in, and reminds diners of the mountains and cooler weather.
Karen says seasonal fondues are fun, as well as the chocolate fondue included in their "Best Fondue Friends Forever" menu. It incorporates cheese fondue with various dippers, a fresh salad and a round of extra-special BFFF Dippers consisting of macarons, créme puffs and other dessert bites.
And, being all-inclusive, the Melting Pot also has a vegan cheese option.
Be sure to ask about having rose petals and candles pre-set for a reserved table for "Thursdate" there.
WELCOME TO THE RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE TABLE
Starting with signature 500-degree sizzling plates and an award-winning wine list, Ruth's Chris in Chesterfield at 16493 Wild Horse Creek Road, offers upscale appetizers, romantic meals, business meetings, private parties and a spot to have a momentous dining experience this fall. Indeed, this location opened a year ago last fall during November.
Various types of steaks, lamb chops, lobster mac and cheese, sizzling blue crab cakes, stuffed chicken breasts or grilled shrimp are all popular choices.
“Ruth’s Chris is well-known as the place where you will find incredible food, outstanding service and a warm and welcoming atmosphere,” notes Kristy Rans, owner/president, Prime Hospitality Group, LLC (Missouri, Arkansas and Indiana).
The location also provides rooftop patios, private dining rooms, wine lockers, a double-sided fire place and an outdoor seating area, weather permitting.
Inquire about the restaurant's upcoming Tastemaker pairing events.
FALL IN LOVE WITH VITO'S IN THE VALLEY
Quinoa butternut salad plus salmon was introduced just in time for fall at Vito's In The Valley, 138 Chesterfield Towne Center. The dish includes roasted sweet potatoes, butternut squash, corn, spinach, cranberries, almonds, quinoa and honey vinaigrette dressing.
Or, for greens with a bit more protein, they have a steak salad that includes bites of prime angus tenderloin medallion, mixed greens, tomato, blue cheese crumbles, almonds, red onion, dried cranberries, white balsamic vinaigrette and fried onion straws.
Vito's co-owners Giovanni and Jessica LaFata remind that they also have a cheesy breakfast/brunch pizza that's available all day, every day. It includes alfredo sauce, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and mozzarella cheese, and Jessica recommends dipping the pizza bites into delicious maple syrup.
"Our chicken parm sandwich is an oldy but goody for good reason," adds Jessica.
She encourages everyone to stay tuned for week-to-week autumn specials.
HONE IN ON HARPO'S GRILL & BAR
Harpo's Chesterfield at 136 Hilltown Village Center offers daily food and drink specials seven days a week.
Known as a Missouri staple, Harpo’s built a reputation on a friendly staff, delicious food and fun nightlife. Harpo’s Chesterfield is a place many people head to for their sports bar atmosphere and spacious patio when fall football begins or for music and dancing.
Need tailgating food? The classic Harpo’s menu includes Bavarian pretzels served with a choice of of Pale Ale beer cheese, white queso cheese or honey mustard. How about their Philly cheesesteak rolls? Or perhaps it's time for an authentic Chicago-style Italian beef with sautéed peppers and onions served on a buttered hoagie. Their adult grilled cheese contains American and Monterey Jack cheeses with sliced tomato and bacon between slices of buttery Texas toast.
Among Harpo's bevy of burgers is one that seems very fall-related: Schlafly Pale Ale Burger, which is topped with a Schlafly Pale Ale cheddar cheese spread and an onion ring. For those who like to combine fall-related ingredients all on one plate, there's the Hangover Horseshoe, which is a half-pound burger patty served on a bed of their famous French fries topped with American cheese, then smothered with chili, onions, jalapeños and shredded cheese.
Their dessert bombes come in cherry, chocolate or peanut butter flavors.