Rainy Days Make Me Seek Onion Soup
Speaking of French things, with all this on and off rain, I was in the mood for a comforting crock of French onion soup. Caribou Cafe looked pretty cute, and onion soup is the very first menu item. While I wouldn’t be able to avail myself of the outdoor seating in this rain, the interior works for a serene escape with music and typical French alcohol posters. We took a window seat and were served bread and butter immediately.
Upon first glance of my crock of onion soup ($7.5) , I noticed the cheese on top could have been more browned. The soup temperature was also inconsistent, the bottom was really hot and the top was not hot enough- this pointed to the soup being reheated, which I understand, but don’t want to be reminded of that. The general flavor was alright, not as clean as it could have been. The crock looked small, but I was actually very full after finishing it. Eating that much cheese can’t be good for me.
The (above $10) seafood crepe special my friend ordered looked good, and it must have tasted good too since he devoured it before I had a bite.
My eyes were drawn to the salty caramel crepe in the middle of the dessert menu ($6.50). I immediately thought of the goodness that is the famous Barbuzzo salted caramel budino. Could this be a French alternative? I was expected a crepe with caramel inside, but instead it was served as a unfilled and covered in the sauce. I liked the the caramel sauce, it wasn’t too sweet but it could have been a little saltier. Overall, something was missing; creme fraiche on top could have really elevated the dessert.
I think my quest for amazing French onion soup is not over. As for Caribou Cafe, I think I may try out their happy hour and sit outside when the weather is nicer.
Where is your favorite French onion soup in the city??
THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)
- All your favorite French bistro classics
- Relaxing ambiance and attentive service
THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)
- Most things are over $10
- Not quite the perfect onion soup
Caribou Cafe, 1126 Walnut St, 215-625-9535
Posted by Jamie at 12:17 pm, April 13th, 2011 under crepes, French, sit-down, soup.
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7 Comments
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Caribou Cafe is my favorite but Pub & Kitchen’s french onion soup is good too. They change the menu often though, so you never know if it’s going to be on there or not. But everything is delicious so you won’t be left without other good options.
Speaking of Starr, the french onion soup dumplings at both Continentals are to-die-for. Something different and funky to try, and they taste just like the real thing!
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I have wanted to try the Continental onion soup dumplings! (although I am pretty sure the idea was stolen from the Stanton Social in NYC)
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The best French onion soup I EVER had was at the old Rose Brier Inn all the way up Frankford Ave, just off Academy Road. Sadly the restaurant is no more, but the memory lingers on.
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Ah, the Rose Brier. :singletear:
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UPDATE: New Wave Cafe on South 3rd has amazing French Onion Soup!! And really good everything else, too.
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@aubre good to know, haven’t been there yet
I hate to admit this, but Parc’s French Onion Soup is delicious. The cheese is browned and crunchy on top but melty underneath and it doesn’t taste reheated at all. Not crazy expensive either, but a piece of me still dies when I give Starr business :-(