Iowa City’s quaint charm has become very apparent in these remaining few weeks leading up to Halloween. Coming from a metropolis like Washington D.C., I am used to impersonal shopping complexes and giant department stores. While my hometown decorates for holidays–though noticeably less so in the last couple of years–it does not have the same close-knit, cozy feel as here. The trees are dressed in gowns of glowing lights, and local shops are putting out handwritten chalkboard signs advertising their spooky season specials.
I have written about this before, but I usually take walks when I need a break to refresh my mind or want to explore more of my new surroundings. During one of my walks the other day, my curiosity (and appetite) was intrigued by all those chalkboards and their seasonal food items. So here are my recommended fall-themed treats in the area.
Prairie Lights Cafe–the Headless Horseman
For literature lovers such as myself, Prairie Lights Bookstore is a staple. I usually prefer tea, but the sea salt promise of their cafe’s “Headless Horseman” piqued my interest. The smoky taste of the autumnal flavors added a distinct flair to the ordinary bitterness of coffee. The Headless Horseman has a classic flavor with only a slight alteration, noticeable but not overbearing. Plus, an unintentional bonus is that carrying the steamy drink will warm your hands against the blustering chill of Iowan wind.
La Tea–Pumpkin Spice Iced Tea
The icy drink was a sharp contrast to the toasty sips of the Headless Horseman, yet its refreshing chill was certainly not a downside. While the sweetness was a little overwhelming in such a large portion, the tea’s earthy flavor felt like the embodiment of autumn. There was a vaguely oaty aftertaste to the drink, boosting its unique spiced palate. If you ever get tired of the typical pumpkin spice latte, try an iced tea variation instead.
Insomnia Cookies–Pumpkin Chocolate Chip & Apple Cinnamon Cookies
Between the two cookies I tried, I would recommend the pumpkin chocolate chip cookie over the apple cinnamon one. The former had a satisfyingly soft middle with melty chocolate chips, bordered by crispy edges. The latter, on the other hand, was disrupted by the overly chewy apple chunks that offset the cookie’s crumbly texture. The pumpkin cookie also delivered its distinguishable fall flavor, whereas the cinnamon in the apple one was buried beneath the apple’s fruity taste. However, both were delicious desserts that broke through the fatigue of a late-night study session–especially since October is midterm season.
T’spoons–Apple Cinnamon Muffin & Pumpkin Sugar Donut
Similar to Insomnia Cookies, I ended up trying two different items from here, with one emerging as the winner. This time, apple cinnamon comes out victorious, as the muffin was a delightful treat during a gloomy fall day of overcast. Biting into the top was a delicious textural blend of soft cake and crunchy sugar granules. The apple tang and cinnamon spice were subtle, but sufficient. While the donut held a rich pumpkin flavor, it was dimmed by the cake’s dryness. Next time the gray, cloudy abyss of sky gets you feeling demotivated, consider popping into Tspoons for an apple or pumpkin pick-me-up.
Until next time!
