Photo: Jason Trinkle
As I write this blog post, it is another dreary, rainy day in Seattle. It is just cold enough to chill your bones, but not quite cold enough to turn those rain drops into the delicate fluffy snow that many of us adore. Nothing tastes better on a day like today than a steaming bowl of soup. A particular favorite is French onion. Seattle has several establishments that pour their heart and soul into this challenging dish that originated in the 18th century. Back then, the soup consisted of beef broth and caramelized onions topped with a croute. Today, French onion soup still maintains the broth, caramelized onions, and croute; however, over the years it has become a more elegant and rich experience because the recipe often now includes sherry and a croute topped with bubbling gruyere cheese.
At Place Pigalle you don’t have to wait to get your French onion soup fix, as it is available for both lunch and dinner for $10. Place Pigalle constructs its own beef stock, which makes this soup incredibly flavorful and desirably rich. The soup comes in a small cup that contains a perfectly round fresh baked crouton covered in broiled gruyere.
$10.00 - Available during lunch and dinner.
Photo: Skye Gauzza
Sometimes when it comes to food, they say it’s all about the presentation. I adore the way that Cafe Campagne presents its French onion soup. It is served in a unique ceramic bowl, and the gruyere cheese is melted and caramelized all around the bowl. This soup is made with white wine, chicken stock and thyme. Accompany this masterpiece with a glass of Anjou cab franc for an old world French experience.
$12.50 - Available during lunch and dinner.
Photo: Bastille Cafe & Bar Facebook
Bastille is located in Ballard and is a comfortable place to visit after the Sunday Ballard Market. Cozy up next to the round fire pit inside the bar and order Soupe a l’Oignon Gratinee baked in cast iron. This soup is hearty and delicious with plenty of bubbling gruyere.
$14.00 - Available during dinner.
