Maybe you shouldn't forget candy completely, but as a grown up, there are ways to celebrate Halloween that are far more delicious than chalky, corn syrup-filled packaged sugar. There are pumpkin beers and entrées, horror-themed cocktails, and frightening foods like headcheese (real head included). Or you can just stay up really late in hopes of luring a ghost or goblin to this reality with the aromas of the really good food you're eating.
See also: - Chow Bella's Guide to Pumpkin Beer 2012 - Five Terrifyingly Delicious Halloween Cocktail Recipe, Including Black Vodka (Yes, Really)
Citizen Public House Becomes a "House of Horrors"
Celebrate all things pumpkin with Citizen Public House's six-course Halloween cocktail dinner, available only on Tuesday, October 30 at 6:30 p.m. Pumpkin finds its way into soup, gnocchi, waffles, pumpkin cider braised bacon, and -- of course -- pie with caramel and candied pumpkin seeds. The orange gourd also makes an appearance in the Headless Gaucho cocktail, composed of pumpkin-infused respado tequila, brown sugar simple syrup, smoked grapefruit juice, and bitter lemon soda. In between courses, pumpkin decorating will keep diners occupied; chef Bernie Kantak's two favorite designs will receive a complimentary seat to the next cocktail pairing dinner. Cocktails from the Crypt is $75 per person; RSVP by calling 480-398-4208.
Offal Halloween Menu at Petite Maison
With Petite Maison's Offal Halloween menu, available from Thursday, October 25 to All Hallow's Eve, you can frighten your palette in best way possible: eating delicacies that might freak you out a little (ok, maybe a lot). The five-course meal includes lamb heart tartar with white anchovies, veal sweetbreads and tongue crepinette with grilled liver, and foie gras crème brûlée. Although it's offal-y packed with gruesome innards, chef James Porter promises that the entire menu is designed to be all treat and no trick. Since the Offal Halloween menu sold out completely the last two years, reservations are highly recommended. Call 480-991-6887, or book online with a note specifying "offal."
Starting on October 19, World of Beer has been adding one pumpkin draft per day. That means that by Wednesday, October 31, there will be an unlucky 13 pumpkin beers available on tap for the bar's massive WOBOWEEN party. If you can't live without candy, chase your buttery, spiced pumpkin beer (we recommend the Wasatch Pumpkin) with a chocolate stout. This party starts at 8 p.m. and goes until last call. Three lucky, well-attired attendees will receive a cash prize in the costume contest.
Hula's Annual Freaky Tiki Bash
Halloween goes island style at Hula's annual Freaky Tiki bash on Saturday, October 27. The party kicks off at 7 p.m., and happy hour pricing will be continue all night long. At this ghoulish celebration, you can dress up like a zombie and down a $5 zombie that's strong enough to reawaken your undead spirit. The night will also include live music on the patio, a costume contest, and screenings of classic horror films.
POSH Offers Late Night Japanese Street Food on Halloween
There's certainly nothing scary about chef Josh Hebert's Japanese-style street food, but when you eat it from 10 p.m. to midnight, you just might hear frightening things that go bump in the night. For some real food to kill your candy hangover, head to Posh Improvisational Cuisine for late-night Halloween eats. Ramen and okonomiyaki (a savory pancake-like dish) will be priced at $10 each, and drink specials will also be available.
