With the Christmas season fast approaching, I wanted to share one of my favorite parts of this time of year - food! In her essay “A Room of One’s Own,” Virginia Woolf truthfully notes that “one cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” This is absolutely true, and what better way to spread holiday cheer with your loved ones than with some great food… and of course some dad jokes? Compiled below are a few great restaurants with seasonal menu items and some punny jokes to go along with them.

Panera

Did you ever think that becoming a vegetarian would be a huge missed steak? If you are looking to put the heavy meats to the side for a healthier option, Panera is featuring a vegetarian Autumn Squash soup that has all the savor without the weight of meat. The soup features butternut squash and pumpkin for those of you who are not quite over losing pumpkin for the season.

• Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup: A rich blend of butternut squash and pumpkin simmered in vegetable broth with select ingredients including: honey, apple juice, cinnamon and a hint of curry, then finished with sweet cream and topped with roasted and salted pumpkin seeds.

Chick-fil-A

What do you call a song about tortillas? A wrap! Wrap up at home with a warm bowl of chicken tortilla soup that is prepared at Chick-fil-A only for the winter season. This is a great American take on a traditional Southern Mexican dish and contains the right hint of spice.

• Chicken Tortilla Soup: hearty chicken tortilla soup features shredded boneless breast of chicken, navy, northern, and black beans in a white creamy base with a perfect blend of vegetables and spices to heat up your dining experience. Topped off with seasoned corn tortilla strips.

Starbucks

Did you know that spending a lot of time at the coffee bar can cause a latte problems? Luckily for you, starbucks is featuring one of my Christmas favorites, the Chestnut Praline Latte.The only problem you will have is getting enough of this drink before it is out of season!

• Chestnut Praline Latte: Espresso, steamed milk and flavors of caramelized chestnuts and spices are topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs. Available hot, iced, or as a Frappuccino blended beverage.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

What happened after an explosion at a French cheese factory? All that was left was de brie! If you are looking for something even cheesier than this, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is featuring a creative twist on a classic American favorite, grilled cheese!

• Smoky Grilled Cheese: fresh mozzarella, white American cheese, bacon & smoked tomato spread pressed on brioche bread

Dewey’s Pizza

For the moments over break when no one wants to cook, fall to the comfortable default of a warm pizza! Dewey’s seasonal Bleu Ribbon Pizza is here for the winter and comes with a mixture of cheeses, meats and the added pop of red onions and garlic. If you know anyone who doesn’t enjoy pizza,especially Dewey’s, maybe they’re a weir-dough!

• Bleu Ribbon Pizza: olive oil, mozzarella, provolone, smoked ham, amish chicken, brown sugar caramelized red onions, roasted garlic aioli, parsley after the bake

Yagoot

If you enjoy frozen yogurt as much as this Rookwood favorite, then you are probably highly cultured! Yagoot changes its flavors monthly to give you the best flavors according to the season. The four flavors below will be served for the month of December along with a variety of toppings or the option to make them into a guilt-free smoothie.

• Italian Cocoa

• Pomegranate

• Mocha

• Peppermint Bark

I hope this short list of some seasonal favorites serves you well over the break and gives you more options to try with your friends and loved-ones. I truly believe in the power of food and what it can do to bring us together. Happy feasting and Merry Christmas!

#christmas #food