What’s in Season This Spring: Look Forward to Fresh Ingredients at McCray’s Tavern

Are you ready to break away from the indoor winter blues and start enjoying some delicious, healthy food in an outdoor setting? Spring is here and bringing with it a bounty of fresh produce to tantalize your taste buds. The incoming warm weather means seasonal ingredients like berries, arugula, and cucumbers will soon be making their appearance. Our blog post has all the info you need on what's in season this spring for brunch East Cobb, so read on to learn about McCray’s Tavern’s seasonal dishes that are perfect for the warmer temps.

The Matador Burger

Get ready to sink your teeth into the ultimate spring burger— the Matador Burger. Made with fresh, in-season arugula, this burger has a combination of a sweet and smoky honey bacon jam with crispy pickled jalapenos, creamy gouda cheese, and tangy bbq sauce. Add on our sauteed onions to give you even more of the freshness you deserve. This Matador Burger is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are bold in their flavor choices.

Our Springtime Highlights: 

• Arugula: Arugula is a fresh green, that needs to be used quickly to maintain that freshness. They are in season from April to June. 
• Onions: When selecting onions, select ones that are heavy for their size and lack any signs of budding. May to June is when you will find the best-tasting options available!
• Chilli Peppers (jalapenos): Ranging from tiny to large, chili peppers can be any color from peach to bright red, coming in an array of different levels of spice. They are in season from May to September 

Cajun Seafood Pasta

Looking for a dish that's as flavorful as it is colorful? Look no further than Cajun Seafood Pasta. This dish packs a flavorful punch with tender shrimp, juicy mussels, and savory andouille sausage,  all swimming in a creamy, cajun sauce that'll have your taste buds dancing. And let's not forget the fresh basil, the perfect finishing touch to this springtime favorite. And guess what? You don't have to wait until dinner to indulge in this pasta perfection. It's also available for brunch, so you can start your day off right with a spicy kick. 

Our Springtime Highlights: 

• Basil: Basils are freshest when they are rich in color and show no dark spots or wilting. They are in season from May to September. 

Tavern Salad

Looking for a salad that's as fresh as a spring breeze and packs a punch of flavor? Look no further than the Tavern Salad! This zesty combination of mixed field greens, tangy pepperoncini, juicy in-season cucumber and tomato, savory red onion, and crumbly feta cheese is sure to make your taste buds dance. And let's not forget about the all-important crunch factor—delightful croutons add texture and depth to every bite. Tossed with a mouth-watering red wine vinaigrette, this salad is the perfect addition to any brunch or springtime meal. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

Our Springtime Highlights: 

• Cucumbers: Being 96 percent water, cucumbers are incredibly fresh. In season from June to August, cucumbers are best when they are firm with no signs of discoloration. 
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes come in a range of different colors and sizes, and are in season from May to November. The juiciest tomatoes are the more fragrant and heavy ones. 
• Onions: When choosing onions, pick ones that feel heavy for their size and don’t have any signs of sprouting. They are in season from May to June. 

French Toast

French toast is the perfect blend of fluffy bread, sweet syrup, and eggy goodness. And let's not forget those fresh berries on top, adding just the right touch of tart sweetness. Throw in some juicy strawberries and plump blueberries, and you've got yourself a springtime feast fit for a king (or queen). Your choice of sausage or bacon adds that savory note to balance out the meal. So, grab a mimosa, and let's brunch like there's no tomorrow.

Our Springtime Highlights: 

• Strawberries: When picking out your strawberries, smaller ones are bustling with flavor, especially if they are vibrant, glossy, and fragrant. They are in season from April to June.
• Blueberries: In season from June to August, blueberries are best when they are firm, dry, and plump. If they are green or reddish, they may not be ready yet. 

Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita

If you're looking for a drink that's both sweet and spicy, the Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita is where it's at. This spicy-sweet concoction is not your average margarita. Dulce Vida tequila gives it the perfect amount of kick, while bravo orange adds a burst of citrus. And we can't forget the stars of the show: the serrano and seasonal jalapeno peppers. Don't worry, the sweetness of the agave syrup will balance out the heat from the peppers. So why not spice up your night with a little bit of pineapple goodness and a whole lot of zing? 

This drink is a favorite of Stephen Steininger, McCray’s Tavern’s very own beverage director, and the drink was created with the upcoming warm months specifically in mind. 

Our Springtime Highlights: 

• Chili Peppers (jalapenos): Chili peppers come in a vast range of sizes and colors, from small, peach-colored varieties to larger, brighter red ones. They vary greatly with regard to spice levels too – so there's something for everyone! You can find these delicious veggies during the summer months between May and September.

All in all, it will be a great season of fresh produce available to us this spring. With tasty items like arugula, tomatoes, chili peppers, basil, onion, and berries, we've certainly been spoiled! So, treat yourself to a nice Spring brunch at McCray's Tavern for burgers and beer in East Cobb and consider ordering our dishes that include some of these delicious ingredients. Trust us when we say - you won't regret it! If you are searching for “best brunches near me”, look no further. Let’s enjoy the wonderful fruits and veggies that are popping up everywhere as summer starts to approach. We're so lucky to be surrounded by such an abundance of flavorful produce on any given day! Enjoy your meals, friends!