Soups to Warm the Soul
The holidays are officially upon us and while the season includes delicious treats and parties with family and friends, it also brings colder temperatures and some of the longest days of the year. As a Michigander who then ventured to school in upstate New York, I fully embrace the winter weather and the joys it brings like warm fires, fuzzy socks, hot chocolate and best of all an excuse to enjoy a delicious soup. In Loudoun, we have great restaurants and cafes serving fresh soup. Here are just a few places to stop in for a cup of soup that will warm you up while exploring Loudoun.
Cultured Cafe
Cultured Café
Tucked away in a tiny shop in historic Leesburg, Cultured Café started off as a frozen yogurt shop but quickly added homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. The soup menu changes almost daily and features unique blends that highlight the flavors of the season like roasted pumpkin with cranberry or African kale and sweet potato.
South Street Under
South Street Under
Known for its fresh baked ciabatta bread, this café is located on the ground floor of Market Station in Leesburg and not only features staple recipes but also a soup of the day. Chicken noodle lovers should plan a visit for Wednesdays while vegetarians can satisfy their craving with the daily vegetable soup or the white bean and spinach available on Mondays.
Red Fox Inn & Tavern
Red Fox Inn & Tavern
Sip a Virginia staple in the historic Red Fox Inn & Tavern in downtown Middleburg. On the National Register of Historic Places, this restaurant is known for its Virginia peanut soup. The Red Fox has stood as history unfolded in and around it, and numerous historical figures took shelter in its fieldstone walls. Famous guests have included Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who frequently stayed at the inn during fox hunting holidays.
Winery 32
Winery 32
At Winery 32 you can warm up not only with a glass of red wine but also with a bowl of hot soup, gumbo or chili as the winery features a rotating menu every weekend. Chef/Winemaker Michael Moosher creates a new dish weekly including turkey chili or a Cajun chicken gumbo with andouille sausage that pairs perfectly with a Cab Franc.
