(Photo by Rachel Weatherly)
Nothing expresses comfort on a winter's day like a delicious bowl of hot soup or stew. As the air gets nippy, enjoy these five favorites.
Gail's Seafood Gumbo (pictured)
Plump shrimp and a generous helping of crab set the tone for this Cajun delight from Big Daddy's Barbecue & Ribs. Add chunks of tomato and okra along with rice to complete this satisfying and hearty dish. (It's also available in pint containers to take home from their booth at the South of the James Market.) 6359 Jahnke Road, 560-1570.
Beef Stew in Clay Pot
Extremely tender beef is presented in a tabletop caldron at Peter Chang China Café. The stew contains beef brisket, potatoes, carrots, mushrooms and tomatoes in a special sauce with Asian spices. Pure delight. 11424 W. Broad St., 364-5168.
Brunswick Stew
For a taste of tradition, head to the Old Chickahominy House in Williamsburg for a down-home bowl of Southern essence. This stew sports an intense tomato base with large chunks of stewed chicken, chopped vegetables and potatoes. Enjoy it with traditional "Chick House"-style hot biscuits. 1211 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, (757) 229-4689.
Potato and Leek Soup
On a cold winter evening, stop by 8 1/2 for a takeout pint of this thick, steaming soup. Once home, add some freshly ground cracked pepper and sit by the fire to enjoy. Comfort, defined. 401 Strawberry St., 358-8505.
French Onion Soup
Open for both lunch and supper, Lunch, in Scott's Addition, uses a dark and hearty beef broth with lots of tender, chopped onions. Layered with a hefty piece of bread to soak up all of the tasty liquid and topped with the all-important cheese, the soup comes in a white crock that's placed in the oven to give the cheese the proper amount of melt. 1213 Summit Ave., 353-0111.
