Well folks, it seems we may have a winter storm on our hands, which could interfere with your Thanksgiving travel plans. But one thing’s for sure, it shouldn’t keep you from indulging in copious amounts of comfort food. In fact, there’s nothing better than delicious (and fattening) comfort food to keep you warm during the cold winter months (especially the holidays).

And that is why, in 20 degree temps and freezing rain, I headed to the comfy neighborhood spot in Brookline known as The Fireplace. And the elegant New England restaurant is truly just as warm and cozy as the name implies – with (of course) a real crackling fireplace inside.

The green-certified restaurant uses locally-grown and seasonal ingredients to cook up a great selection of comfort food. And the dish I tried (read: devoured) didn’t disappoint. I ordered the restaurant’s pumpkin risotto with honey glazed pork & scallions with Apple Jack brandy, poached pears and pork cracklings. And trust me, it was delish.

One of the best parts about this restaurant is that you can mix and match many of the small plates to share with your dinner partner. I, myself, ordered a small (half) salad and a half-size portion of the pumpkin risotto. Which was not too much, not too little, but juuust right.

And if you’re a pumpkin fan, then this dish is right up your alley. The perfectly cooked risotto dish has a rich pumpkin flavor that perfectly complements the succulent pulled pork on top. And, as I’ve never seen this combination before, I did think the dish was a creative twist on the typical fall-flavored risotto.

I don’t know about you but all of this writing and thinking about food is making me hungry and thankful for that Thanksgiving feast tomorrow. And if your cooking skills are lacking, then you’re in luck. The Fireplace will be offering a Thanksgiving 2013 menu, serving up a Turkey Day meal to guests that includes a cider-glazed turkey and a delicious assortment of sides.

But once the turkey settles and the tryptophan wears off, don’t forget to try that pumpkin risotto – especially if the weather outside is still “frightful.”