Some people might mark the turning of the seasons by the falling leaves and cool breezes, or by tents going up in Lincoln Center, but we here at City Dish mark the beginning of fall in pumpkin dishes and cozier fare. Not a shocker there. And while the end of summer means the end of lovely lobster deals and alfresco pop-up dining, fall promises many great food events to look forward to, not the least of which is the infamous Bon Appétit-sponsored pop-up café. Featuring dishes crafted specially for the event by celebrity chefs as well as pulled straight from the menus of famed New York eateries like Le Bernardin and Momofuku Milk Bar, the Café is always a guaranteed good time.

Previous pop-up cafés have included samples, demonstrations, and appearances by celebrity chefs. It’s not clear if those will be part of this year’s event as well, but there are plenty of new perks this time around. For starters, the café is closely tied with Fashion Week, so it will be taking place in Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall. Also, for the first time, the café will remain open to the public in the evening as a wine bar (in past years, it converted into an exclusive supper club after dark) and it will serve small plates from the likes of Daniel Boulud, Mario Batali, and Emeril Lagasse.

Now for the main event: the fabulous food! The menu is made up of soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts concocted by New York-based chefs including Laurent Tourondel, Bill Telepan, and pastry chef Christina Tosi, as well as some imports like Chicago’s Rick Bayless. With a roster of chefs that varied, it’s no wonder the menu is so eclectic. Highlights include Missy Robbins’ prosciutto sandwich (ricotta, Prosciutto di Parma, roasted fig and arugula on ciabatta), Laurent Tourondel’s lobster roll, and Bon Appétit’s shrimp, mango and avocado salad with sweet chili-ginger vinaigrette. And the Café pulls out all the stops on dessert, with pumpkin whoopie pies, blueberry cream cookies, and bacon brittle on the menu.

The Bon Appétit Café will be open for breakfast, lunch, and small plates from the 12th-16th. There are no reservations, so make sure you have an extra-long lunch hour blocked out before heading uptown. But rest assured, for the delicious dishes the Café always offers, it’s worth the trip.

Posted by: Nicole Price Fasig
Price: $-$$
Location: Avery Fisher Hall, 64th St. and Columbus Ave.
Type of Food: American
Veggie Friendly? Y
www.bacafe.com