chowder

As the next cold spell moves in during 2017 and you are craving a soup to warm your heart, consider this list.  The Food Adventures crew, Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu, have compiled our list of Dayton’s Best Soups for 2017.  From the first steaming spoonful, to that little bit of liquid left in the bottom, these are the best bowls of chow that the Miami Valley has to offer.  So, all you serious eaters, get a spoon, get some crackers if need be, and check out our list of MUST EAT soups.

IN ORDER from the best (because no one else does that) are Dayton’s best Food Adventures in a bowl… , here they are…

** DAYTON’S TOP 30 SOUPS for 2017 **

 

1) CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP from FRESCO:

A top soup from one of Dayton’s top Chefs and caterers, Jenn DiSanto.  She starts with homemade chicken broth from scratch.  The soup is stocked with fall off the bone chicken pieces, vegetables, and tortilla strips. End it all with a dollop of sour cream on top.  This is one of those moments where you lose yourself in a heavenly bliss. This is the best chicken tortilla soup we have ever eaten.  This soup is Chef House’s favorite !

 

2) THE GUMBO at RUE DUMAINE:  
This one HAS to be on the list..  The owner/Chef Anne Kearney studied under Food Network superstar, Emeril Lagasse.  Needless to say, when it comes to New Orleans’ flavors, she knows what she is doing.  This award winning chef has a menu unparalleled n Dayton.  We have found the perfect start to a meal at Rue Dumaine.  This pick is an obvious one.

 

3) THE CLAM CHOWDER at JAY’S SEAFOOD:  
When a soup is a Dayton icon and a Dayton staple for decades, it has to make the list.  Whether you are 8 years old, or 80, people love this soup and have fond memories associated with it.  The creamy broth, the chunks of fresh clams, and the perfect dash of pepper make this soup.  Crackers or not, you are in for a treat when you sit down for a cup or bowl of this deliciousness… so go for the bowl.  As you take a spoonful, the nostalgic atmosphere of Jay’s restaurant helps make it that moment in time where the world is in perfect balance.

 

4) THE SIZZLING RICE SOUP FROM CHINA COTTAGE:  
For decades they have been serving this white meat chicken, fresh vegetables and steaming rice kernels in an unforgettable broth.  This is on the appetizer menu as a soup for two.   Sure you can get this soup as an appetizer for two, but who wants to share something this good?  Get the soup for your meal, like we do !  The flavor is a perfect balance of mushrooms, carrots, other vegetables and rice in a white meat chicken and broth mixture.  Another great creation from Chef Tiger Wang.

 

5) SATE SHRIMP AND PORK SOUP with RICE NOODLES from LITTLE SAIGON:  
This Vietnamese style “Pho” soup is a spicy bowl of broth, rice noodles, shrimp, pork and vegetables.  Served with a side plate of cilantro, lime and bean sprouts, it packs some heat.  Not hot enough?  Doctor it up with the table side chili paste or a homemade in-house sriracha sauce.  This is a meal sized soup, with an appetizer price tag.

 

6) DUBLIN PUB’S “WORLD FAMOUS POTATO SOUP”:

It must be world famous, because it is downright incredible.  It is rich, filling and sinful.  We suggest getting it in the Sourdough bowl and add cheese and bacon on it.  We also recommend taking a nap after you eat it.  This soup has a cult following in  Dayton, and is Hungry Jax’s top pick!

 

7)  THE CABBAGE ROLL SOUP from VOLTZY’s ROOT BEER STAND:
The best soup in a root beer stand in the United States.  Voltzy homemakes this stuff with cabbage, tomatoes, rice and his signature burger meat. In his words, it is so delicious,  you will sing “Touch me in the Morning.”  Cabbage rolls not your style? Then try his almost equally delicious “Cheeseburger Soup” or “Cream of Vandalia Onion Soup.”  Yes, Vandalia like the city… Voltzy is nuts, it is undeniable.

 

8) THE TURTLE SOUP at THE AMBER ROSE:
This soup is exotic, thick and hearty.  It is a  old recipe, passed down by Elinore, the previous owner of the restaurant.  We absolutely love Amber Rose’s take on this old school favorite.  It is beyond good.  This is one of those things that you eat and immediately want more.  Visit Joe Castellano and his chefs and try it for yourself as an appetizer to one of their Eastern European meals.  Extra points for uniqueness on this one.

 

9) CLAM CHOWDER at SWEENEY’S SEAFOOD: 
Creamy and thick with chunks of clams and potatoes, this is a filling bowl of soup.   Paprika and other spices, finish the flavor, making this soup one of our favorites.  We already are in love with many of Sweeney’s appetizers that owner Lisa Long and her chefs knock out of the park.  Add another star to the list.  Hungry Jax can’t get enough of this one.

 

10) SEAFOOD CHOWDER from DOROTHY LANE MARKET:  Maybe because it

simmers all day, it enhances the flavor.  Whatever the reason, we are entranced with this self serve option to go at Dorothy Lane Market for this incredible soup.  Rich and creamy and two terms that simply cannot be stressed enough.  Chunks of fish and more fill the soup with corn and other vegetables. This is a nice, thick soup. We can’t inhale it fast enough on hungry rainy days.  If there ever was a bowl you wanted to lick clean, this would be the one….

 

11) CHICKEN GUMBO from DISALVO’S DELI:
Another homemade soup from scratch.  Chef Ronnie DiSalvo himself makes the soup with perfectly carved, generous chicken pieces, in a delicately light broth.  The bowl is filled with a treasure trove of vegetables and tremendous flavor.   This deli takes pride in its food, and this is another example of their incredible creations.  Their motto is “made with love from the heart.” And we like to add, and straight to your mouth!

 

12) THE SHRIMP and PORK SOUP at LINH’s BISTRO:  

A big fan following for this soup.  It is an enormous bowl with filled one of the classic Vietnamese “Phos” (soups) offered at Linh’s Bistro.  This meal sized magical creation contains broth, shaved pork and pieces of shrimp.   Sure you can get it with clear rice noodles, but we prefer the egg noodle option (#34 on the menu). Vegetables and scallions also line the bowl, but that’s not all.  The soup is served with a side plate of jalapenos, bean sprouts cilantro and lime.  Separate some cilantro leaves from the stems and drop them into the bowl.  This soup defines the words Food Adventure.

 

13) THE FRENCH ONION SOUP at DOUBLEDAY’S GRILL & TAVERN:
Lets be honest.  Any one of Doubleday’s soups could make this list.  In a restaurant known for their homemade soups, this one is a favorite.  Dayton  regulars have stuffed the restaurant for decades, and many have felt the hot, gooey dripping flavor of the french onion soup.  It is easy to get lost in Doubleday’s large menu, but dont overlook this “must eat.”  The steaming pot of soup is perfect for a snowy day.  Try their Chicken Pot Pie Soup and Potato Soup as well.

 

14) THE NEW ORLEANS STYLE GUMBO at JIMMIES LADDER 11: 

Hearty, rich and just the right spiciness, this soup is one of those “OMG” moments when you take a bite.  Owner Jimmie Brandell is no stranger to soups, having managed one of the iconic “Upper Krust” locations for years.  The soup is perfect.  They really hit the mark on this one.  Order a bowl and wake up your taste buds.  Goes perfect with their craft beer selections and sandwiches!

 

15) THE CLAM CHOWDER AT BULLWINKLE’S: 
Clam Chowder at a rib place?  The answer is yes, young Jedi.  This soup is homemade and downright addicting.  Generous chunks of clams in a mix of potatoes and cream sauce make this one of our “Must Eats.”  Not many people know about this soup, but now you do.  We are not responsible for any addictions.  Make sure you start your meal here with this savory favorite.  Their menu is filled with amazing items like this one.

 

16) THE CHILI AT ARCHER’S TAVERN:
Every year, Archer’s holds a chili cookoff.  The winning chili goes on the menu for a year.  All proceeds from the contest go to the Centerville High School’s Culinary Arts Program!  The result is an amazing chili and a charitable donation!  The current chili is a meaty concoction with a little bit of heat. It is topped with cheese and Fritos.  Probably the spiciest of the delicious soups and one of our favorites.

 

17) THE MUSHROOM BISQUE at CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT:

Vegetarians  rejoice!  This Dayton soup is for you.  A fresh, home made delicious recipe means a warm feeling in every spoonful.  The taste of the fresh mushrooms is incredible  Christopher’s thrives on making quality, homemade soups, and this choice is the star.  Check it out and pair it with one of their delicious sandwiches.  The restaurant atmosphere is homey, and lends to the comfort factor of feeling at home with this warming soup for the soul.

 

18) THE WILD MUSHROOM SOUP FROM HAWTHORNE GRILL:
It is pure comfort in a bowl.  The soup is creamy, bold and flavorful.  Hawthorne Grill puts out some great dishes, and this is one you need to get your hands on.  This weather is the perfect time to try this unique, homemade item.  Chef Candice Rinke has established herself in the upper tier of Dayton’s chefs.  This soup is an extension of her hard work.

 

 

19) THE PICKLE SOUP from BLIND BOB’S:
Don’t be fooled by the sound of it, don’t judge a book by its cover.  This is one of the best soups in Dayton.  The flavor isn’t sharp, it is surprisingly mild and rich.  If you like cream of broccoli soup, this is an even better spin on it.  We congratulate Blind Bob’s for not only the uniqueness, but for the amazing taste.  This is a great warm up right before you try one of their burger selections!  Also, Blind Bob’s many craft beers go great with this soup!

 

20) TEQUILA CHILI at LUCKY’S TAPROOM:  
Unique blast of flavor from the kitchen at Lucky’s.  Owner Andrew Trick has developed an underground following for his terrific food. This chili is a highlight on the menu and one of the most loved items.  Lucky’s offers a regular or vegetarian option.  Recommendation: There is no better pairing on this list than the Tequila Chili and one of Lucky’s numerous craft beers.  So go to Lucky’s, thumb through the beer booklet, pick one out, and thank us later.

 

21) THE GUINNESS ONION SOUP AT NICK’S RESTAURANT:  

Gooey, warm, and wonderful soup that is the pride of Xenia.  The soup is always made from scratch buy their “soup nazi.”  This soup is served in a unique bowl, with a mound of cheese and few gigantic croutons.  But what hit us most is the rich flavor.   Hot broth dripping down your chin, as you swallow some of the cheesey strings.  Take a spoonful and you will immediately see why this soup made the cut.

 

22) THE COCONUT SOUP at SIAM PAD THAI: 
Another exotic choice on this list.  Cherry tomatoes, lime juice and mushrooms highlight the ingredients in this soup.  The tangy, light flavor make this soup the most refreshing on our list.  Owner, Fon Chrisman is a culinary genius in Thai food.  If you have not been to Siam Pad Thai, we suggest you pair this soup with one of their Thai dishes, or specialty sushi rolls. We promise you will be craving this soup in no time.

 

23)  THE HOT AND SOUR SOUP at YOUNG CHOW:  
We scald ourselves every time, because we cant wait to get into this soup’s shredded goodness.  A perfect balance of tofu, pepper and pork, this hot and sour soup is fantastic.  This soup made the list because it is just that good.  And guess what else, the price is nice.   We looked at your fortune cookie, it says you need to go to Young Chow.

 

24) TANTANMEN RAMEN at RAMEN RICKSHAW: Also known as “Peddler Noodles,” this soup is the epitome of homemade.  Freshly made, daily noodles seeped in a pork broth that has simmered for 12

hours. Flavorful secret spices and green onions finish off the soup.  Served in a small bowl, we can use a fork, spoon or even drink this delicious soup, just to get it in our bellies.

 

25) TOM YUM SOUP at TIK’s THAI GRILL:  A spicy broth filed with mushrooms and green scallions.  They also call this “Lemongrass Soup.”  It also includes a secret combo of Thai herbs, lemongrass, tomato, and lime juice.  The lime juice packs a punch right back to the lime juice that started the whole thing.

 

26) TOM YUM GOONG SOUP from HOUSE OF THAI:
Shrimp and mushroom in a hot and sour broth is the amazing menu item featured at this hidden secret in Beavercreek known for their Pad Thai.   Not many people are familiar with this delicious Thai restaurant, but the soup deserves a spot on this list.  It is obviously an old family recipe, and it is as fun to eat as it is to say the name.  This is chin dripping, grab your napkin style good eats.  If you are going to do it up, do it up right at the House of Thai.

 

27) CURRY UDON NOODLE SOUP from ARIAKE SUSHI BAR :  A thick, soup with curry flavors and a nutty aroma.  Slices of pork, egg slices and wheat noodles fill the bowl.  It is a challenge to eat this without getting your chin or shirt dripped on, but the noodles are fantastic.

 

28) THE SPICY VEGETABLE SOUP from KABUKI:  This soup is complimentary with big dinner orders.  It is a fantastic mix of spicy pepper broth, bean sprouts and onions.  This can clear your sinuses and make your cold feel better all at the same time.  It is the perfect tune up for a sushi feast.  Enjoy the color and aroma of the soup, it tastes as good as it looks.  We have come to learn that at Kabuki, everything is great.

 

29) THE POZOLE from CHIAPAS MEXICAN GRILL:  The owner of Chiapas tells us this is his grandmother’s recipe for a chicken and hominy soup.  The broth is soothing yet spicy.  The chicken is tender and shreds of it soak between hominy corn.  Radishes float on top of this beautiful looking soup.  One of the most unique soups on this list, it is authentic Mexican fare.

 

30) PULPO CAMARONES COCKTAIL en SALSA (Seafood Gespacho) from TAQUERIA MIXTECA
Served cold, this tomato based soup is stocked full of seafood.  From huge shrimp, to baby octopus and calamari, it is not for the squeamish.  Hardcore seafood lovers, however, will eat it up.  It is served in a gigantic goblet and is easily enough for two or more.  The vegetables and slices of avocado make the soup.

 

We have two honorable mentions:

a) SIZZLING RICE SOUP from NORTH CHINA and

b) SHRIMP and PORK SATE from PHO MI

And one final thing..

 

Best Chain Restaurant Soup?  Chicken Gnocchi from Olive Garden

That’s it, that’s our list !  What did we miss?  Do you agree or disagree with our choices ??  Please comment below and tell us your thoughts.

Meanwhile, check out our incredible photo gallery of Dayton’s best soups, below and “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by CLICKING HERE !