Cafe du Parc

In Search of Soup

Obviously, I like this city. And for the most part, it offers everything I’d want a big city to offer. But where, oh where, is the soup? I’m freezing cold and all I want is a hot take-out-pint of corn chowder or beef and barley. Instead, I pass by the multitudes of D.C.’s new frozen yogurt shops, completely devoid of customers—and wish they’d take the hint and serve up something hot in the winter like, say, vats of gumbo. Alas, until this happens or Charlottesville’s Revolutionary Soup decides to open up shop here, I’m on a search to find the best soups in the city. To be found, as far as I can tell, at restaurants that are NOT sole soup sellers. First up, the French onion soup at Cafe du Parc:

Gobs of broiled Gruyère cheese atop broth-soaked croûtons and chunks of caramelized onions make Cafe Du Parc’s rendition of  Soupe à l’oignon the best I’ve ever had. (And I have been to Paris.) The 10-dollar bowl of soup, plus the crusty French bread served along side it, will fill you up, though I’ve heard great things about their mussels too. Tip: I’ve had two bowls of this artery-clogging soup, and I’ve found that it settles better when you eat it midday. Try taking a walk on the Mall first to get optimally cold, stop in for a hot bowl around lunchtime (the restaurant is located right next to the Willard Intercontinental Hotel), then walk up to the White House or the Hay-Adams Hotel to stalk the Obama family. Yes, this is my idea of a perfect day!

I’ll be covering my best soup experiences here on Citysifting intermittently for the next month, but I’m eager to hear your favorites as well. Know of a place that I should try?

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