By Alaina Loughridge - Photos by Wen Mcnally
Soup er Bowl Edition
So last month, Wen had an epiphany that we should do an article
specifically on soups for the month of January: It’s almost Souper Bowl
time, it’s cold, miserable and everybody wants something to warm them up!
Great idea! Until we actually did it. I do not recommend eating NINE soups
in one day. Ever! However, this dauntless reporter saddled up, grabbed Mrs.
Epiphany and Mom and off we went.
was our first stop: French Onion Soup was on
the menu and we bellied up to the bar. Made with caramelized onions, a
scooch of honey and beef broth, topped with Texas toast that had a layer of
Provolone cheese melted on top, I am not going to lie - this soup was just
perfect. Chez Ellen Anderson says it’s ‘all about the onion,’ and she’s right.
Using always a sweet onion (they go for Vidalia or Spanish depending on
the season) you can tell. You get a nice, big bowl for $6.00. Fannie’s soup
menu can vary, but just do it.
was up next and they laid out a Tomato Bisque
that is simply the best tomato-based product I have ever put in my face
that did not have celery or Tito’s (thank you, Mr. Frye). They usually have
different soups throughout our cold turn of events, but if you can get the
Bisque, do it! This yummy land is served solo for $4.95, or includes a grill
cheese sandwich for $6.95.
was around the corner and off we went. Seafood
Chowder was on the menu so we dug in. They are not shy about adding
clams, potatoes, onions and other secret ingredients I cannot divulge.
Souper yummy (get it?) and filling with a home-made taste that will leave
you fat and full. For a mere $7 you too can dive into chowder town and if
you are lucky (like we were) you get to meet Bernie!!!
was a crawl away and they were offering Army Bean
Soup (apparently there is a non-Navy fan in the house – LOL). I try not to
be biased, but I can’t help myself: Nell’s home-made Navy/Army Military
Bean Soup is the best Military Soup ever! You can tell it’s home-made and
with lots of tender ham chunks directly off the bone, carrots, celery, kitchen
sink items, it is a belly filler. For $3.50 a cup or $4.50 for a bowl, it is a steal
to even add a grilled cheese for $3.00 more. Nell changes up her soups
every weekend, so if you miss military soup, eat on anyway. You won’t be
disappointed.
We waddled on …
was next and we were totally excited about their Taco
Soup! I’ve never had it so I didn’t know what to expect, but either way, I was
delighted to try out this fantastic mouth moment! So made from scratch you
can smell the corn husks, this beauty is made with A LOT of ground beef,
taco sauce, beans and other stuff that Calvin absolutely flat out refused to
tell me. This culinary masterpiece comes with a grill cheese samich for
$8.50. The bowl is huge and you will be so damn filled up when you finish
that the only thing on your mind is a nap! Nickie’s soups change up from
week to week, so grab the Taco Soup when you can get it! Either way, the
cook at Nickie’s is a phenom and deserves a big raise!
32 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | JAN 2018
was next on the list and I was excited to try out their
Crab Stew! You can eat this soup with a fork! I had to wait for the picture
to be taken, but I was salivating just looking at it! Home-made cream based
and flat out full of lump crab meat, celery (fresh), onion and topped with a
special seasoning, this stew was so good I couldn’t put my spoon down! It’s
got a perfect after kick that will keep you remembering it with fondness.
You can get your own cup for $7.95 or go for the bowl for $10.95, but either
way, you will be so content at your taste bud happiness that nothing else
really matters.
We were literally staggering at this point, but we soldiered on for our
faithful readers …
was right up the street and ready. Their Lobster and Crab
Bisque was perfect! Spiced up for sure, but not too wrong for any spicy
sissy (me), it was a blend of creamy chunks of lobster and crab, a ‘hint’ of
sherry and other secret stuff (why don’t these people tell me their secrets??).
$5.95 for a bowl and you will leave happy. Sting Ray’s also offers a Crab
Stew for the same price. A must check out on your soup excursion.
I’m not even going to lie: We were dying. Mrs. Epiphany said something
like it’s good to eat in rationed portions throughout the day as its good for
your digestive system, but I didn’t believe her. Between three people we had
eaten seven soups (one bowl – 3 spoons). I have done worse for the BC …
was next and I was nervous. Last time I was at Agave
I had the Bacon Burrito (it’s as long as Luis’ arm – yes, he measured it
– no, Luis is not a tiny guy) and I was full as it was. But, game face: The
Caldo De Pollo (Chicken Soup) was served up and we fell over! A literal
ton of chicken and rice cooked in a chicken broth … but did I mention
the salada comes with? You decorate your soup with your choices of pico
de gallo, lime, lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream and hand cut crispy
corn tortillas. I love having options! For $10.50 you will walk out of there
sideways.
was last and honestly, I couldn’t have been happier. Not
only because my BFF works there, but also because I could stop eating.
Nonetheless, I was looking forward to Bubba’s signature Gumbo and the
ability to brag about it. Home-made with smoked sausage, fresh seafood,
okra, onions and other stuff I can’t reveal (they didn’t tell me their secrets
either), it was covering a bed of wild rice and just straight New Orleans
Bayou spoon scooping yep. They rolled us out the door.
Note to all: Do not eat 9 soups in one afternoon (noon to four). We had
the best time though! Thank you to all of our participating restaurants for
rolling out the red carpet and serving the best soups, stews, bisques and
customer service a customer could ask for. Happy 2018 y’all!!