In Minnesota, spring usually is just an extension of winter’s icy grasp. While the days of sun, shorts and sandals are still far ahead, these soups from the Woodbury area’s finest will keep you warm until the seasonal thaw. So on those days that would make even our Nordic ancestors shiver, stop by these restaurants to escape the cold.
Angelina’s Kitchen: Chicken Soup
Catering to the local community for many years, the independently owned restaurant and wine bar knows how to craft a soup that keeps you warm and your taste buds happy. Angela Verrastro, Angelina's Kitchen owner, recommends that folks try the chicken soup.
“It’s my mom’s recipe,” Verrastro says. “Comfort food and super healthy.” With a homemade chicken stock, white-meat chicken and orzo pasta, this light and fresh soup is guaranteed to make you feel like you’re home.
Soup is sold by the quart for $12; noodles come separately. Dining room prices: $4 per cup, $8 per bowl.
Akita Sushi & Hibachi: Miso Soup
There are more than 100 authentic and delicious Japanese food options at Akita. One of these options, the miso soup, is guaranteed to fill your craving for soup. “I eat the soup all the time; for me, it’s very delicious,” Fai Xiao, owner of Akita, says. Soy-based and including scallions and tofu, this soup may be served in a small bowl but its taste is large and filling.
$1.50 per bowl.
Danny’s Bar and Grill: Southwest Corn Crab Chowder
An animated atmosphere, indoor fireplace and the promise of live music on the weekends are just some of Danny’s favorable attributes. Another adored aspect is their Southwest corn and crab chowder.
An award-winning soup, the chowder provides a smidge of heat that gives it a bit of “excitement,” as chef Ron Bonhert, executive chef at Danny’s, says. With the additions of cayenne pepper, lobster stock, clam stock, sweet corn, southwest chilies, potatoes and crab meat, this soup stands out.
$5.95 per cup, $6.95 per bowl. Soups change weekly; call for availability.
T. Morris Pub and Grill: Texas Chili, Cajun Chicken Soup
Named in memory of famed golfer Tom Morris, the pub serves a variety of appetizers, entrees and more. While T. Morris is known for its Shepard’s pie and braised beef short ribs, customers should keep an eye out for their Texas chili and their Cajun chicken soup.
The Texas chili is a tomato-based chili filled with large chunks of beef and vegetables, served with onions and cilantro on top. Sour cream is available upon request. For Kelsey Sharp, manager of T. Morris, the Texas chili is akin to a full meal. “It warms you up on a cold day,” she says. Another soup offered year-round is the Cajun chicken soup. While well-spiced, the soup is not too spicy. It’s a light but filling soup, “a creamy chicken soup with a Cajun flair,” Sharp says.
$3.95 per cup, $5.95 per bowl.
Tamarack Tap Room: Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
A well-known staple in the Woodbury community for its innovative comfort food, Tamarack’s soup is unforgettable. An always popular choice is Tamarack’s chicken and wild rice soup. Called a “Minnesotan chicken and wild rice soup” by general manager Jesse Barton, the soup is “creamy and delicious.” Nicely balanced, the homemade soup is made daily and served with crackers on the side.
$4.95 per cup, $6.95 per bowl. 8418 Tamarack Village; 651.330.2889;
