It's Edible Gourd Season, Y'all

Image: Monica Fuentes
Itâs fall, meaning gourd groupies will be out in force. But there are treats out there beyond your standard pies and muffins. Here are a few dishes that incorporate pumpkin and other squash in unusual ways:
Khun Kay Thai Cafe
This Montrose restaurantâs special pumpkin curry dish isnât listed on the menu, but itâs always availableâjust ask for it at the counter. Made with the Thai squash known as fug tong, which is stickier and sweeter than its American counterpart, the rich, creamy, heat-packed dish comes with rice and your choice of protein (we recommend the pork).
Dolce Vita
Chef Marco Wilesâs $8 âfrittoâ menu section includes a scrumptious pumpkin-and-goat-cheese croquette appetizer that marries supple, earthy squash with tart chèvre inside a lightly breaded shell. Like the best Halloween candy, these orange orbs vanish quickly, so you might want to double your order.
Pine Forest Garden
Menu names are deceiving at this Chinese-vegetarian restaurant in Asiatown. The delightful cream of pumpkin soup with shark finâa dish symbolizing wealth in ancient Chinaâis actually more broth-y than creamy. And thankfully, the âshark finâ is really cubed shark fin squash, which mimics the texture of the real thing.