The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner is showcasing pumpkin in every way this season. You can drink ’em, eat ’em, carve ’em, even get a spa treatment with ’em, satisfying your autumn pumpkin cravings in any way you’d like. You can also pay a visit to the Great Pumpkin, a 715 pound beast of a pumpkin grown in Altoona, Pennsylvania and now proudly displayed in the entrance.
When you’re focused on the eating & drinking portion of their pumpkin-palooza, head to Entyse, and start with a Pumpkin Martini, made with rum, Baileys, pumpkin syrup, Creme de Cacao, and half & half, with a candy-sugar rim.
The star of the pumpkin show is the Pumpkin Bacon Mac N’ Cheese. While I often heed to the warning that most mac and cheese is good but not great, and few are really worth seeking out, this is certainly an exception. Just the right amount of cheese, with several types of cheddar and a gruyere-like cheese from West Virginia, and plenty of maple pepper bacon and breadcrumbs. It’s served in a baby pumpkin, which you’re actually encouraged to eat as you go. It pairs perfectly with the dish itself, and makes for a fun and unique experience. A forkful with a bit of all of those components in one is a show-stopper.
If somehow that Pumpkin Martini wasn’t decadent enough for you, then try the Pumpkin Pie & Bulleit Bourbon Milkshake. Pumpkin pie mix and plenty of bourbon combine for an indulgent, thick and creamy pumpkin treat, served with a graham cracker crust rim. For dessert, as if that wasn’t already dessert, try the homemade Pumpkin S’mores Bar, with sugar cane marshmallow, graham crackers and pumpkin, served with chocolate syrup and “Nutella powder”, an addictive little add-on.
The new seasonal dishes were put together by Executive Chef Chris Johnson, and will be available at least through all of October. The favorites, such as that spectacular mac n’ cheese, may have to stick around a bit longer.
More Pumpkin & Halloween Events at Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner
The Ritz isn’t stopping there, either. There are pumpkin carving classes being held on Saturday, October 18th, at both 10am and 1pm, with Chef Johnson. Tickets cost $50 per person, and include a visit to their haunted house.
On the same day, there’s a “Halloween Scary Tea” event, including cocktails, a magician, a creepy-crawly photo booth, Halloween inspired treats such as Hair Raising Ham and Cheese Fingers, Dracula’s Dark Chocolate Mousse Tarts, Plump Pumpkin Cupcakes and Creepy Cookie Fingers. Kids of all ages welcome. Tickets cost $65, seatings at 11am and 2pm.
Last but certainly not least, how about a Pumpkin Peel Facial at the Day Spa? The Ritz says that “pumpkin nourishes tired and dry skin, giving a bright, healthy glow while combating the signs of aging. Your skin will benefit from cleansing and exfoliation treatments, followed by a facial massage, pumpkin peel, and an intense moisturizing treatment.” The treatment costs $140 for 50 minutes, or $199 for 80 minutes.
