Soup’s on (along with stews, curries)
Just in case someone decides to turn the air down again in Central Florida, here are a few delicious local soups, stews and curries to warm you up.
Recently named Florida’s top ramen destination, Domu ladles up quite a few of these noodle bowls for dinner and weekend brunch. Domu’s ramen menu is expansive and inclusive, with styles ranging from the rich tonkotsu (pork bone, $13) broth to a vegan option ($12). (East End Market, 3201 Corrine Drive, Suite 100, Orlando; 407-960-1228; domufl.com)
This restaurant’s tortilla soup ($9) was as fun to watch being served as it was to eat. A server sets down a bowl of cooked chicken, avocado, tortilla strips, cilantro and Jack cheese before pouring the red chile chicken broth over the top. It made for some impressive melted cheese pulls and creamy avocado. The broth wasn’t spicy, but it had sufficient heat to instill a warm and cozy feeling. (Disney Springs, 1600 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista; 407-560-9197; fronteracocina.com)
It’s easy to understand why the crab bisque soup ($7) has been a stalwart favorite at this nearly 22-year-old restaurant. Jumbo lump crab, mushrooms, leeks and tomato make for an addicting spoonful — especially when you can add a little extra sherry to the mix. (330 Dora Drawdy Way, Mount Dora; 352-735-0059; goblin marketrestaurant.com)
Loaded with chunks of beef, baby carrots, onions and tomatoes, Harp & Celt’s Irish Stews ($9.25) is sure to stick to your ribs. The beef broth is swimming with herbs and seasonings — and a touch of Guinness for “a unique taste,” according to the menu. Don’t forget to soak up any remaining broth with the bread provided. If
COMMENTARY you’re looking for something a little lighter, the cream of potato leek soup ($3.25-$4.25) is a nice appetizer. (25 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando; 407-481-2928; harpandcelt.com)
Curry is the ultimate warming food, thanks to the combinations of herbs and spices in the dish. At Tamarind, diners can choose a protein (chicken for $16, or lamb, shrimp or grouper for $18) and pick a curry or sauce to go with it. Options range from creamy tikka masala to the spicier tomato-based vindaloo. (501 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 149, in Winter Park or 12309 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando; tamarind fl.com)
A respectable build-your-own bowl menu and a special herbs bar make it possible to create the pho bowl of your dreams at this fastcasual restaurant. Have your bowl filled with beef, chicken and vegetarian broth and proteins such as eye-round steak, chicken or crispy tofu. The toppings bar contains jalapenos, cilantro, green onions, bean sprouts and more. I’m a fan of squeezing some lime juice over the top of my bowl. Prices start at $8.75 — and there are some signature bowls available for $10-$12. (7581 University Blvd., Winter Park; 407-636-6069; vietnomz fl.com)