The Heavy Table Hot Five: Oct. 2-8

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Each Friday, this list will track five of the best things Heavy Table’s writers, editors, and photographers have recently bitten or sipped. Have a suggestion for the Hot Five? Email editor@heavytable.com.

Tricia Cornell / Heavy Table
Tricia Cornell / Heavy Table

1-new - oneChestnut Crab Apples
I discovered these last year, and with the first bite I thought, “Where have you been all my life?” And now I’m seeing chestnut crabs in the co-ops, the farmers market and a bunch of pick-your-own orchards. They’re doll-sized and taste like they have been dipped in honey, with a fantastic snap.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Tricia Cornell]

James Norton / Heavy Table
James Norton / Heavy Table

2-new - twoChicken Tikka Dosa from Copper Pot Indian Grill
Great Indian food is bold. It’s got texture, fiery heat, and a tremendous depth of spice that you can get lost in. Copper Pot is serving up some of the best Indian in the region, and we were particularly delighted with their chicken tikka dosa. Filled with charred chicken and earthy, pungent onions, this massive crepe is built to be dipped in an accompanying vegetable soup that packs a serious hot-’n’-spicy flavor wallop. All in all, fireworks on the palate.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by James Norton]

Brenda Johnson / Heavy Table
Brenda Johnson / Heavy Table

3-new - threeFlying Fish from Fuji Ya
This is tobiuo (flying fish). The sushi chef at Fuji Ya prepares the fish as sashimi with fresh radish sprouts, green onions, and horseradish. Its texture is similar to that of the aji mackerel, but distinct and very much lighter in flavor … not “fishy” in the least, like some mackerel. Once we finished the sashimi, the chef deep fried the bones, which we also devoured. The presentation and overall experience was truly artistic.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Brenda Johnson]

Paige Latham / Heavy Table
Paige Latham / Heavy Table

4-new fourBrownie from Urban Growler
The simple yet perfectly executed brownie at Urban Growler is one of the best restaurant desserts I’ve had in a long time. Made with their De-Lovely Porter, it’s moist and deeply chocolaty. A total sleeper hit.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Paige Latham]

Amy Rea / Heavy Table
Amy Rea / Heavy Table

Romanesco from Loon Organics5-new -five
One of the best treats at the fall farmers markets comes in the form of this eye-catching vegetable known as Romanesco (this one found at the Loon Organics stand at the Mill City Farmers Market). This somewhat extraterrestrial-looking item is like a cross between broccoli and cauliflower, with a delicious, nutty flavor that’s enhanced when it’s roasted. But even simply steamed, it has a fantastic earthy essence that doesn’t need much in the way of additional flavors.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Amy Rea]