It’s Time for Rob’s Favorite Soups
I must admit that given the unseasonably warm weather we experienced for most of this year, I was less inclined than normal to indulge in one of my true food passions: great locally-made soups.
But now that it’s gotten a bit colder, my taste buds have begun to percolate and my thoughts run to some of the great soups at area restaurants. Here are some of my favorites.
The Aztec Corn and Shrimp Bisque at Chez Zee. This soup has been one of my favorites for years. It has a sweet flavor and a wonderfully smooth texture. I order it every time I dine at Chez Zee (and its always a bowl).
The Shrimp Pho at Hao Hao on William Cannon. When the weather turns cold there is nothing like a bowl of Vietnamese Pho (pronounced, “fuh”) and Hao Hao has great versions of this classic. You start with a searing beef broth, add shrimp, bean sprouts, jalapenos and rice noodles and man do you have some flavor!
The Seafood Chowder at McCormick and Schmick’s at the Domain. This is a rich, beautifully nuanced soup with wonderful flavors. It’s another must-order for me to begin a meal there.
The Seafood Gumbo at Evangeline Café. Curtis Clark and his crew at Evangeline on Brodie can fire up some serious Seafood Gumbo. It all starts with the roux which is rich and laden with intriguing flavors. This gumbo flat out rocks.
The Crab and Corn Chowder at Eddie V’s. The flavors in this delicate chowder are hard to resist. Let’s hope that the takeover by Darden’s does not compromise any of the wonderful dishes we’ve all become accustomed to at Eddie V’s.
The Posole Soup at Corazon. The former Castle Hill may have had a name change but the Posole soup still bubbles over with great taste. I had two bowls last time and that was my entire lunch. It’s that good!
The Taiwanese Hot and Sour Seafood Soup at Chinatown Mopac. When Ronald Cheng first introduced this incredibly flavorful and texturally rich soup I was smitten. Guess what? I still am. It’s as good as ever!
The Seafood and Won Ton Dumplings at Lotus Hunan at Bee Caves and Walsh Tarlton. I had some of this the other night after a long absence and it was like saying hello to an old friend. Great beef broth and huge won tons with tons of fresh shellfish.
The Tortilla Soup at Santa Catarina and Zax. Two different versions of this popular soup at two great restaurants: one in Lakeway on 620 and the other downtown at Riverside and Barton Springs. I think they’re both great! And the Tortilla Soup at Los Pinos is savory goodness which you should try!
The Clam Chowder at Austin Land and Cattle. This is a slightly different version of this classic emphasizing sweet potatoes but it sure works for me. You need to try this!
The She Crab Soup at Steiner Ranch Steakhouse on 620. This low-country recipe just blows me away time after time. The crab is dense and sweet and the richness of the cream complements but does not overwhelm. A lovely soup.
And probably anything from the Soup Peddler on South Lamar. My biggest problem with this place since it acquired brick and mortar status is figuring out what to order. It was easier when the owner used to deliver everything on his bike!
The Cheddar Cheese Soup at Jim’s in Oak Hill. This is my wife’s go to soup whenever she needs a boost. I like it as well. It’s rich without being heavy and has really lasting flavors. I know what you foodies must be thinking. But you heard me correctly! Jim’s!
There’s a Clam Chowder at Café Blue at the Galleria that Ben Nathan has taken over the top. The flavors are authentic (with a hint of bacon), rich and ultimately rewarding. I order it on every visit.
And I love any soup that comes out of the kitchens from Jack Allen’s, Never tried one that I didn’t like. They change every day which is a plus. And Foo Swasdee has added, believe it or not, a Thai Gumbo to the menu at Satay. It’s lighter than most gumbos but very tasty. And Hao Hao‘s sister restaurant, well make that sister and brother restaurant Hao Q on Far West, has terrific Pho. Then you’ve gotta try the Khash at the Russian House. This is an Armenian soup made from bovine shanks and it’s sumptuous.
I would be remiss if I did not mention Ramen Tatsu-ya. This is Ramen without equal in Austin. After leaving Imperia chef Tatsu opened up his first ramen shop off 183 and then another on S. Lamar.
Another wonderful choice is the Cauliflower Soup at The District at Escarpment and Slaughter. Engaging flavors and a bit thicker than most and totally spot on.
Lastly the Seafood Gumbo at Liberty Kitchen on W. 5th had me from the first spoonful. Beautiful nuanced flavors with a zesty roux.
