Soup’s On

With the weather dipping below the Fahrenheit equivalent of the Maginot line, my cravings for salad and sandwiches and light fare have disappeared faster than a couple of lesbians at dinner when it’s time to split the check.  So, I’ve traveled the greater downtown and adjoining areas to sample the soups of the realm and with a little help from my friends at the Sacramento Food Forum found a few winners amongst the offerings.

The Place- Ernesto’s, The Soup-Albondigas (Mexican meatball)

Not much needs to be said about Ernesto’s that hasn’t been said before.  On this particular soup excursion, i sat at the bar and was served by an extremely professional and attentive barman named Andrei.  Not expecting a bartender with a Slavic name to be serving me in a Mexican restaurant I was a bit thrown, but I quickly realized that no matter where your parents come from, being a Mexican restaurant bartender is one of the best gigs around.  Honestly, you’re expected to serve cervezas, margaritas and cut up limes, that’s it.  Only one out of a hundred diners (like my father) would order a Scotch at a Mexican restaurant.  All I’m saying is, kids if you see a help wanted sign at a Mexican restaurant with a bar, get in there muy rapido and brush up on your Spanglish.  Oh, the soup.  It was average, with a little spice and plenty of meatballs.  The serving size was enough for 3 people which almost justified the $7.95 price tag. 

Ernesto’s- 16th and S St. Sacramento,   Soup **

The Place-Pronto, The Soup-Fagioli

Pronto is one of those places that you don’t think of too often unless you work in the area around the Capitol.  That’s a shame since it should be thought of more often.  I think about it constantly, for example.  When I’m driving, walking, working, taking a rest in the restroom or doing almost anything; I’m thinking about Pronto and the fine, fine soup it serves, Fagioli.  Fagioli is an Italian soup made with white beans, bacon, pasta and vegetables all in a rich tomato broth.  Pronto’s version is fantastic, rich and velvety, hearty and healthy.  Served with a nice crust of sourdough, it’s well worth the trip on a cold winter’s day.  One thing to keep in mind though, when ordering your Fagioli use a soft “g” or else you sound like some kind of gourmet homophobe.

Pronto, 16th and O St. Sacramento,  Soup ****

La Place-La Bonne Soupe, La Soupe-Oignon Francais

La Bonne Soupe fits the textbook definition of al least three wonderful cliches: “hole in the wall,” “a real gem” and “a pain in the ass.”  A tiny storefront on busy 8th street, surrounded by construction and traffic and cursed by no convenient parking, La Bonne Soupe sits quietly, its five tables always full at lunch time and its scents wafting down the street.  It’s a one man operation, the owner/chef taking orders and dealing out deliciousness from his small but tidy counter while Edith Piaf sings in the background.  The sandwiches looked heavenly, fig and goat cheese, roasted leg of lamb and warm pate, but I was there for soup, and when in a French soup shop, there is no choice but the French Onion.  It was wonderful French Onion soup, a little lighter than the mass marketed TGI Friday’s version that we’ve become all too accustomed to, with small croutons and a light sprinkle of cheese.  Fontunately for La Bonne Soupe, it seems that the local diners appreciate it because it’s just too damn hard to go there if you’re not already in the general courthouse part of downtown.

La Bonne Soupe- 8th St. between I & J,  Soup ***

The Place-Dad’s,  The Soup-Chicken and Rice

If you haven’t traveled over to Dad’s on S street and tried one of their sandwiches, you’re missing out on one of the finer things in life.  I’m very partial to the egg salad but feel free to try the “Bikini Kill” or the “Dead Elvis” as well.  As far as their soups go, you can always count on fresh, in-house fare that changes every day.  While frequenting Dad’s, I’ve tasted some of the best chili I’ve ever had, sucked down an uninspiring beef & barley and had to abandon a red bean & rice soup in which the rice was still crunchy.  So, while the recipes may be a little bit on the inconsistent side, the output is sometimes so good that it’s well worth the risk.  Last week I tried out their chicken and rice soup that turned out to be one of the best soups I’ve ever had.  Chock full of celery, onions, carrots and peppers all swimming in a delicious chicken broth riddled with fresh herbs, this was the kind of soup that can cure colds, flus, melanoma or whatever ails you. 

Dad’s- S St. & 13th, Sacramento, Soup ****

The Place- Scott’s Seafood, The Soup-Crab Bisque

The granddaddy of incredible soups for me is Scott’s crab bisque.  I have no idea how much butter and cream is in their soup but I don’t care.  It’s simply my favorite soup no matter what the weather is like outside.  Peppery and spicy, rich and crabby, do not pass this one up on the menu.  At less than $7, it’s well worth the price and a great reason to duck into Scott’s and grab a quick bite at the bar.

Scott’s- Sacramento and Folsom,  Soup****