Ah, the signs of fall: crimson- and saffron-colored leaves, darkness arriving earlier, and that nip in the air crisp enough to force an early retreat home. For me, all these signs point to soup season.
This month’s list features the best soups I ate this month, all of which are available at places that make takeout easy—because sometimes, there’s nothing better than a cozy couch soup dinner, and not having to clean up dishes.
What: broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl
Where: Süp, 669 S. Virginia St., Reno
Price: $9.50
Contact: 775-324-4787; www.sup.restaurant
In my mind, fall doesn’t officially start until I’ve had my first soup in a bread bowl from Süp. There’s a list of reasons this Midtown eatery has been in business since 2007—including consistency, customer service and, of course, delicious food.
It took me years to finally branch out from broccoli cheddar, While all of Süp’s soups are delicious, it remains my favorite, especially when it’s served in a sourdough bread bowl. During the chilly months, the bread bowls can occasionally run out, so if your heart’s set on one, call to make sure they’re available before popping by.
What: miso ramen
Where: Haru, 5210 Longley Lane, No. 500, Reno
Price: $15
Contact: 775-507-7355; order.toasttab.com/online/haru-5210-longley-ln-suite-500
What makes a bowl of ramen really good? For me, it’s a delicious broth, the right kind of noodles cooked to perfection, and a good ratio of toppings that add to the bowl without overwhelming it. Haru hits the nail on the head with their miso ramen, a chicken-based broth with miso tare. (Think: savory, salty and lots of umami goodness.)
The toppings are similar to those you’d find at any good ramen joint: thinly sliced pork belly, fish cakes, soft-boiled egg, green onion, bean sprouts, enoki mushrooms, corn and nori. In addition to ramen, Haru offers other items, including a great selection of barbecue skewers—and I would recommend adding an order of pork gyoza ($7.50) to whatever you get. They’re fantastic.
What: tortilla soup
Where: Bistro Habanero, 1196 S. Rock Blvd., Reno
Price: $6.99
Contact: 775-857-3550; bistrohabaneroreno.com
When I saw Bistro Habanero had tortilla soup on the menu, I was expecting it to be thick and red, like the tortilla soups I’ve had (and made) in the past. What came to the table looked more like chicken noodle soup, with tortilla strips instead of noodles in a golden broth.
The broth is the real star of this dish: It’s savory, salty and rich in flavor, with glistening fat droplets on the surface. The chicken and vegetables are melt-in-your-mouth tender. This dish is a great example of how something simple can be incredible when it’s well executed, and pairing it with a cheese pupusa ($3.75) to dip in the broth took it over the edge. I was so delighted by this combination that I wanted to tell everyone in the restaurant to order it, but instead, I’m telling you here. Please, do yourself a favor—and try it.