As the air turns crisp and holiday decorations start to don city streets, it is a poignant sign that the season of fall has arrived. Food stores contribute to the festive time of year and incorporate special flavors in spirit of the holiday season.
Recently, shops in downtown Pleasanton have begun serving their seasonal autumn and Halloween treats for customers to enjoy for the next couple of weeks.
“We have quite a bit of items for fall and Halloween. A lot of them are chocolate caramel or candy corn, but I think that the one everybody likes is the caramel chocolate apples,” said Tina Martinson, GourmetWorks Employee.
Various shops have incorporated specific ways to customize their flavors to appeal to their customers.
“As of right now, we have pumpkin spice, but earlier we had salted caramel as well. It is really cool and I think it tastes really good with chocolate. It is almost like a swirl of black and orange, which are classic Halloween colors,” said Adam Marks, Meadowlark Dairy Manager.
Some stores have considered altering their recipes for those who may be restricted to certain ingredients. The Pumpkin Spice ice cream at the Meadowlark Dairy is lactose free for those who are lactose intolerant. However, many stores do not offer the same options and stick with their standard recipes.
Ranging from candies, to pastries, to full size cakes, these special treats can be found in stores like Gourmet Works, Primrose Bakery, Candy King, Inklings, Starbucks, and the Meadowlark Dairy on Main Street in Downtown Pleasanton.
These additions to the standard menus are widely anticipated for those who love changing their tastes from time to time.
“I usually like Madeleines, since they are my favorite snack to eat, but pumpkin spice makes them ten times better,” said Joe Choi (‘26).
All in all, as the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, these delightful local treats serve as a flavorful reminder that autumn has truly arrived, bringing joy and excitement to the taste buds of the local community.
