Craving Great Soups This Weekend?

The weather has taken a turn for the nasty here in sunny Austin. So what better time to hunker down over a hot and delicious bowl of soup? Some of our favorites are listed below.

The Sweet Potato Clam Chowder at Austin Land and Cattle. I know the name sounds a bit strange but I love this soup. It has perfect taste and it really stays with you.

The Shrimp Pho at Hao Hao on William Cannon at Manchaca. This is Vietnamese penicillin: a beef broth with plump shrimp, rice noodles, bean sprouts, jalapenos and more flavor than you can imagine. Perfect for a cold day.

The Seafood and Corn Chowder at McCormick and Schmick’s is also a great cold-weather treat. This is a robust soup but it has wonderfully nuanced flavors.

And please get the Taiwanese Hot and Sour Seafood Soup at Chinatown on Greystone. This is usually served for two but it’s so good that I’ve on occasion downed the bowl designed for two or three by myself. This is Ronald Cheng at his best.

The French Onion soup at both Aquarelle and The Belmont. This is exactly what French Onion soup should be: wonderfully cheesy gruyere and sharply flavored with that comforting taste. And who knows, at Belmont you might see someone really cool sitting across from you.

Another favorite is the Aztec Corn and Shrimp Bisque at Chez Zee. The shrimp are served in a rich, tomato chicken broth and the corn is whole kernel. Yum.

And you have to try the Tortilla Soup at Zax Pints and Plates. Tortilla Soup is a classic cold weather dish and Zax just nails it.

Another good choice is the Chicken Caldo at Curra’s Grill. The broth is loaded with tender chicken, squash, corn, and a boatload of the flavor that has made Curras’ such a foodie favorite over the years.

On the Italian side, get whatever soup La Traviata happens to be serving that day. It’s literally that good. My favorites are the Cauliflower, Mushroom and Butternut Squash. And also head over to Bellagio and try the Pasta Fagiolo (or pasta fah-zool as my Italian aunt used to call it). This is a hearty serving of pasta, fresh vegetables and kidney beans in a savory broth.

Another great choice is the Mediterranean Seafood Soup at Louie’s 106. Chef Frank Bellino, taking the reins from Norbert Brand, has nailed this soup.

And as always, on a cold day, you have a bowl of Gumbo. Try the version at Cherry Creek Catfish which has a milder roux than most but lots of flavor. Another recommendation is the Gumbo at Evangeline Café. This is hotter and has more bite but it’s equally flavorful.