Good Taste : Chowder, chili, and soups
By Eleni Collins
Published: December 17, 2009
Congratulations to Bob and Jill Jackson, owners of the Plane View Restaurant and winners of the 2009 Great Chowder Contest that benefited the Red Stocking Fund, held during Christmas in Edgartown last weekend. For $4.29/cup and $5.59/bowl, you can try their winning Homemade Clam Chowder, at the restaurant located at the airport.
Miro Santos, left, and Alex Mayhew represented Menemsha Café at Saturday's Great Chowder Contest. Photo by Ralph Stewart Speaking of chowder, Slice of Life's unique recipe is made with a light cream broth, with local clams, onions, celery, potatoes, and bacon, seasoned with thyme ($5.50). Linda Jean's serves New England Clam Chowder in a cup ($4.25), bowl ($5.25), or in a quart to go ($12.99). And the Square Rigger serves Quahog Chowder for $4.75/cup and $6.75/bowl.
Chowder aside, there are plenty of good soups at Island restaurants. Zephrus in Vineyard Haven changes their soup selections frequently, but currently serves Roasted Buttercup Bisque with roasted black sunflower seeds ($6).
Closing for the season on December 29, there are only several days to get soup from Morning Glory Farm. Among their soups this week are Creamy Butternut Squash and Apple, and Chickpea Miso Soup with farm fresh vegetables and Basmati rice. All soups are $4.95 for a cup.
New this year for lunch is Bistro-l'etoile To Go, which features soups, stews, and paninis from l'etoile's bar. Updated daily, this week's menu includes Lamb Stew with Sweet and Fingerling Potatoes, with roasted tomato and rosemary ($4.95/$6.95); Hungarian-style Mushroom Soup with cremini mushrooms ($4.95/$6.95), and Lobster Bisque with lobster chunks ($5.25/$7.25).
Waterside Market in Vineyard Haven also offers daily soup specials. This week's include Butternut Squash ($5), Tomato Basil ($5), and Turkey Chili ($6).
Onion Soup with Four Cheese is a favorite among many at The Newes From America in Edgartown. It is made with caramelized onions and garlic, and served with garlic toast for dipping ($7).
The Grill on Main also serves an onion soup: Baked French Onion Soup with an herb crostini and Gruyere cheese ($9.95).
There are several choices for Asian soups. Bangkok Cuisine in Oak Bluffs offers Tom Ka Kai: chicken in coconut milk with galanga, lime juice, and mushrooms ($4.95). Or try the Noodle Soup: Thai-style noodles with chicken, shrimp, and bean sprouts in a Thai clear broth ($8.95). Golden Dragon in Vineyard Haven offers Hot and Sour Soup, and Wonton Egg Drop Soup, among others, both for $2.95/cup or $5.25/bowl.
State Road Restaurant's current seasonal soup is Celeriac Soup, finished with fresh bacon and apple compote ($8).
Tisbury Farm Market offers homemade soups daily made by Marvin Jones. They include Shrimp Gumbo, Seafood Chowder, and Butternut Squash ($3.50/pint, $5.99/32 oz.).
Sharky's offers a Housemade Tortilla Soup: fresh vegetables, chicken breast, peppers, topped with guacamole, cheese, tortilla strips, and sour cream ($7.99). And Zapotec's Real Tortilla Soup is made with a broth of chilis, blackened tomato, and homemade chicken broth with chicken and hominy, tortilla strips, cilantro, onions, topped with sour cream and lime ($9.99).
The Black Dog Tavern's soups change daily, but they include Chicken Dumpling, Grilled Chicken and Corn Chowder, and Buffalo Chicken with Blue Cheese ($4.50/cup; $6.50/bowl; $12.50/quart).
Mocha Mott's in Vineyard Haven always offers one vegetarian and one non-vegetarian soup daily, and in Oak Bluffs, they offer one soup daily. Soups include homemade chicken noodle, corn or chicken chowder, vegetarian and vegan squash soup, and chili ($3.50/small; $4.50/medium; $5.50/large).
Prices are subject to change, and may not include tax.
