We ride the soup spoon through Northern Michigan restaurants, including Traverse City restaurants, in search of January bliss by the bowlful.
Smoked Whitefish Chowder Bluebird, 102 River Street, Leland, 231-256-9081. Bluebird’s indulgent chowder is sewn with lardons, potatoes, tarragon, bay leaf and cream.
French Onion Soup Martha’s Leelanau Table, 413 North Joseph Street, Suttons Bay, 231-271-2344. Martha caramelizes onions for many hours to deliver this bubbling, iconic French classic.
Butternut Squash Bisque Cooks’ House, 115 Wellington, Traverse City, 231-946-8700. With simple, artful flavor extraction, Cooks’ House delivers squash in its purest form.
Cream of Wild Mushroom Lake Street Market, 306 South Lake Street, Boyne City, 231-582-4450. From the mushroom capital of the North, it’s no surprise to find a rich, earthy bowl of love at Lake Street Market.
Oyster Stew Whitney’s Oyster Bar, 307 Bridge Street, Charlevoix, 231-547-0818. Made to order, Whitney’s simmers fresh oysters, new potatoes and herbs in a rich stock.
Creole Gumbo City Park Grill, 432 East Lake Street, Petoskey, 231-347-0101. City Park Grill crafts a fine bowl from the Big Easy to drive out après-ski chills.
Tomato Gorgonzola Julienne Tomatoes, 421 Howard, Petoskey, 231-439-9250. Julie’s signature soup made with fresh tomatoes and creamy, pungent gorgonzola is divine.