KNOXVILLE - Ruby Slipper is leaning into the unexpected this fall with a playful mix of flavors. The menu pairs creamy peanut butter with smoky bacon, brings Crescent City heat to a smashburger with Patton’s hot sausage, and gives classic beignets a fall twist with candied apples.

A pair of burgers raise the creative bar by taking a familiar favorite in two very different directions. The Yo Mama’s Peanut Butter Bacon Burger ($15) is exactly what it sounds like: a double smashed beef patty topped with creamy peanut butter, Applewood-smoked bacon and American cheese on a brioche bun. For a distinctly New Orleans vibe, the Patton’s Hot Sausage Smashburger ($15) pairs a smashed beef patty with a Patton’s hot sausage patty, pepper jack, Creole mustard aioli, lettuce, tomato and pickled red onions.

The Patty Melt ($15) keeps things classic with a double smashed beef patty, American and pepper jack cheeses, caramelized onions and remoulade before getting griddled on sourdough, while the Kale Chicken Caesar ($18) brings together chopped kale, grilled chicken, parmesan, breadcrumbs, lemon and Caesar dressing.

On the sweeter side, Ruby Slipper is giving its beignets an early-fall makeover with Candied Apple Beignets ($7.25), served with candied apple compote, vanilla mascarpone and apple cider caramel.

The drink menu shakes things up, too. The Apple Cider Mule ($10.50) combines vodka, apple compote, apple cider, ginger beer and lime, while the Whipped Strawberry Mimosa ($11.50) layers strawberry purée, lemon, coconut, sparkling wine and cold foam.

Also returning is the Bubbles & Berries ($20), Ruby Slipper’s sparkling bottle service, served with pomegranate watermelon, orange and blueberry lavender juices, blueberry compote and fresh strawberries.

“We got a little playful in the kitchen recently, challenging each other to give our guests some delicious combinations they might not expect from us,” said Chef Marla Chua, culinary director for Ruby Slipper. “The savory dishes give the menu more of a lunch feel, while the fall offerings gave us a chance to experiment with some of the flavors we love most about the change of seasons.”

The early fall menu will be available at participating Ruby Slipper locations from Sept. 2 through Sept. 29, while supplies last.

For more information about Ruby Slipper’s September menu and ongoing updates, visit rubybrunch.com. Ruby Slipper fans can brunch like a VIP with the Ruby Bennies loyalty app — earn points every time you order directly online or dine in, redeem them for rewards, place orders with ease in the app and be the first to know about upcoming specials. 

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