DARIEN
• Browne & Co.: The soups—check their Instagram—change daily. Examples include Crumbled Sausage with Kale & Potato and/or Carrot+Ginger Bisque, but I pray for the Beef Goulash. It makes me carnivorous.
• The Post Road Diners (also in New Canaan and Norwalk): These places will keep you nice and warm, as the Chicken Soup can’t be beat—and studies do confirm the old health adage…
• Aux Délices: At Deborah Ponzek’s little gem, the Vegetarian Chili is the stuff to get. So…sit, relax, savor it.
• Estia's American: The Tortilla Soup makes my mouth water, especially when paired with the made-on-the-spot crispy chips and guacamole.
• Palmer's Market: There’s little Palmer’s doesn’t do well, but the deli’s best-seller is, indeed, the Chicken Soup. However, it’s the Clam Chowder that’s a must-have for me.
NEW CANAAN
• Solé: Their Butternut Squash Soup, to me, is heaven in a bowl. It’s quintessentially New England, and, while it’s a seasonal dish, if it’s still available now, indulge.
• Walter Stewart’s Market: Daily specials here rule the roost, but look for the Split Pea with Ham—locals in the know come specifically for the soup!
• Elm: Seasonal soups are nothing short of majestic here, and hopefully, they will continue to craft their Italian Chestnut Soup every winter.
ROWAYTON
• Rowayton Market: Where else? My combo: a Highland and the Roasted Eggplant and Tomato. Or, the Roasted Corn with a Devil’s Garden.
• Sails: Lobster Bisque done well is ALWAYS a pleasure here, but also the Smoky Clam Chowder may trump all other area chowders!
NORWALK
• Naked Greens: In The Soup Alley’s old spot stands this franchise, offering a daily rotation. My personal pick is the Savory Spinach White Bean—healthy and tasty.
• Valencia Luncheria: Try the Black Bean and Sour Cream Soup—drool—or better, the Red Bean and Ham Soup. Delicious.