We may complain about the Polar Vortex and frigid northeastern winds that are seemingly blowing right through our holiday Patagonias, but there are a few things we adore about winter. Cozy sweaters, crackling fires, the Lake George Winter Carnival, Chowderfest, hot Chai tea and, of course, soups!
Here is the breakdown of our top picks for local soups that keep us warm and satiated.
1: Matzo Ball Soup from Park Side Eatery
This is the only place in the area (we are talking miles) to get real Matzo ball soup unless you happen to make your own. “One-part fresh chicken, two-parts time, three-parts love. Just like Bubbe’s.” It’s so good that Park Side Eatery never rotates it out among its changing soup specials, and often sells out before the end of the day. Our tip? Grab a pint to-go and freeze it for when you feel your annual winter flu coming on. Read more about Park Side Eatery’s Matzo Ball soup here.
2: Potato Leek and Blue Cheese Soup from the Olde Bryan Inn
Served in a hot and hefty crock, this potato leek soup packs a punch with blended fresh blue cheese. Oh, and of course there’s bacon in it too!
3: Lobster Bisque from The Wishing Well
A winter soup list isn’t complete without a bisque. This creamy delicacy gives us that warm, cozy feeling in the chicest way and we love order this soup at a table near the fire, following it up with a great single malt or Malbec.
4: Pumpkin and Sweet Corn Soup from Max London’s
Put on your comfiest Sorels (classy and cozy like the establishment) and order this soup. Harvest fall flavors get winter-fied with bacon and chives. All that’s missing is a creme-fraiche.
5: Fabada Asturiana from Boca Bistro
The chef at Boca knows what he’s doing and isn’t going to serve a plain bean soup dish. This is white bean and chorizo stew, with Nueske bacon and a little smoked paprika.
6:African Peanut Soup from Putnam Market
This is one you can only get on certain days, but Putnam regulars are loving this creative soup and it seems to be on the daily specials list more and more. Added bonus: it’s gluten-free and vegan-friendly!
Runner-Up:
Lentil soup from Istanblue Mediterranean Cuisine
This lentil soup is pureed (which makes all the difference) and topped with lots of lemon to offset the bean meatiness.
