Ellington’s played with unexpected combinations of savory vs. sweet and warm vs. cold in its Big Apple event Oct. 28.

The apple-themed dishes included a roasted squash and apple soup appetizer, apple-braised chicken main course and apple cheesecake cupcake dessert for $10.

As an appetizer, guests were given the option of roasted squash and apple soup or a caramelized onion and apple tart with bacon. Even though both options featured unlikely pairings, the appetizers didn’t fail to disappoint.

The apple tart with bacon created a flavor I had never tasted before. With its octagon shape and puff pastry, the tart looked more like a dessert than an appetizer.

The caramelized onion added a salty but sweet touch to the pastry, masking the pungency onion usually has. The bacon and feta cheese topped off the pastry well and made for a delicious combination of flavors.

The main course — apple braised chicken with herbed brown rice pilaf and steamed carrots — exceeded my expectations. The chicken was lightly drizzled in apple cider and chicken broth, which added a rich taste to the already yummy dish.

The brown rice pilaf and steamed carrots that accompanied the chicken added a zesty boost of flavor to the dish. The tenderness of the chicken and saltiness of the long strips of carrots made it all the more enjoyable.

The apple cheesecake cupcakes made me glad I ventured out of my comfort zone. The cupcakes consisted of cream cheese, cinnamon and vanilla and were topped with warm apple butter. The warmth of the silky and smooth apple butter was balanced by the frosty blast of vanilla ice cream and cream cheese. These elements tasted pleasantly familiar and added a chilling sensation to the small cupcake.

Ellington’s Big Apple event offered the perfect meal for the fall season and was made even more festive with a list of local apple orchards to visit.