Destination: Soup

One of my first dining experiences in Manhattan was at the ancient Fanelli Café in Soho. Surly waitress, slow service, uneven floors and tippy tables. But oh, the soup!

Later on, I discovered they sling soup during daylight hours in a little shack attached to the building. Savory soups, no waitstaff necessary. Just me and a little paper bowl of steaming bliss nestled between my mittens.

It's no wonder, I suppose, that I'm obsessed with soups lately. The weather's turning nasty, so I'm turning to the world's most accessible comfort food. Hot or cold, thick or brothy, from homey stews to bean purées and consommes, nearly every culture makes a soup... and (thankfully) I haven't met one yet that I haven't liked.

In no particular order, my ten favorite winter soups:
1. Hot & Sour
2. Tomato Florentine
3. Butternut
4. Gumbo
5. Tortilla
6. Chili (Thick & Spicy)
7. Beer-Cheese
8. Dal
9. Chicken-Corn Chowder
10. Chicken & Spaetzle