As the seasons change, so do the flavors we crave. Fall invites warmer, richer, and more comforting ingredients to the table, from earthy mushrooms and seasonal squash to sweet caramel sauce and just the right amount of spice. State and Lake’s new menu embraces these flavors in creative ways, offering dishes that feel both familiar and fresh.

From savory mains to seasonal sides and indulgent desserts, here’s a closer look at some of the fall flavors we’re most excited to experience this season.

Squash Takes Center Stage 

Few ingredients signal the arrival of fall quite like squash, and it makes several delicious appearances on State and Lake’s new menu. The Farro Risotto highlights sweet, nutty honeynut squash, while the Delicata Squash side is paired with sage pesto and crunchy pumpkin seeds.  

These seasonal ingredients bring warmth, earthy flavor, and a touch of natural sweetness to the menu. Whether incorporated into a comforting risotto or served as a flavorful side, squash is one fall flavor we’re especially excited to dig into this season.

Sweet Meets Savory

Fall is all about balancing rich, savory flavors with touches of seasonal sweetness, and the new Pork Milanese does just that. The 14-ounce bone-in pork is paired with bacon and apple agrodolce, arugula, and Hook’s white cheddar for a combination that feels both hearty and thoughtfully balanced. 

The sweet and tangy apple agrodolce offers a delicious contrast to the savory pork and bacon, while the peppery arugula and rich white cheddar bring even more depth to the dish. It’s a perfect example of how fall flavors can be comforting, unexpected, and delicious.

Warm, Earthy Flavors

Fall cuisine is also characterized by warm, earthy flavors, which is why we’re so excited to see this flavor profile on Chef’s creative fall menu. The Roasted Mixed Mushrooms will be served with maple whiskey and almonds, a perfect combination of savory, subtly sweet, and nutty flavors.

The mushrooms bring an earthy depth to the dish, while the maple whiskey adds a touch of seasonal sweetness. Finished with almonds for an added layer of texture, it’s a simple yet flavorful combination that captures the comforting side of fall.

A Hint of Spice

Cozy fall dishes don’t mean simple or bland, and Chef’s autumn menu proves it. With fiery ’nduja featured to add a twist to the Roasted Brussel Sprouts, spice seekers are sure to be satisfied. Calabrian chili, chili crisp, and Fresno chilies are also featured ingredients throughout the menu to add layers of heat and complexity throughout the menu. 

Whether providing a subtle kick or taking center stage, these vibrant flavors offer the perfect contrast to the richer, heartier ingredients of the season. After all, as the temperatures begin to cool down, there’s nothing wrong with adding a little heat to the table. 

Cozy Finishes

It feels wrong to end a fall meal without a cozy dessert. The new fall menu has a delicious item for every sweet tooth. Grandma’s Carrot Cake feels warm, familiar, and uniquely fall with carrots, golden raisins, walnuts, orange cream cheese frosting, caramel sauce, and sweetened cream. Banana Pudding, Chicago Style Cheesecake, and Double Dark Fudge Cake are other fantastic dessert options to end the night on a sweet note.

From rich and chocolatey to a classic, nostalgic dessert, these cozy finishes offer a sweet way to round out your meal. After all, fall is the perfect season to slow down, savor the moment, and save room for dessert.

A Taste of What’s to Come

From the natural sweetness of seasonal squash to the bold heat of chili and the comforting richness of a cozy dessert, State and Lake’s new menu is full of flavors worth getting excited about. Each dish offers its own unique take on the ingredients and combinations that make fall such a savory season.

Ready to experience the flavors of fall? Join us at State and Lake and discover your new seasonal favorite.