Soup’s On

Bowled Over with Flavor

By Pamela Kleibrink Thompson  Photos Kimberlee Miller

“Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.”–Ludwig van Beethoven

Perhaps because it is housed in an 1800s era church with a pew adorning the entryway, the soups concocted at Rembrandts are soothing to the soul. You don’t have to return to Puritanical New England to relish an authentic chowder. Rembrandts’ version of New England Clam Chowder includes fresh clams, smoky bacon, potatoes, onions, and cream served with house-made puff pastry. It’s destination dining, especially when frost is in the air. Or opt for their seasonal selections. 

Rembrandts
93 S. Eagle Rd.
938-1564
rembrandtseagle.com

After a brisk walk on the neighboring greenbelt, get cozy near Bardenay’s fireplace and treat yourself on Tuesdays to the spicy jalapeno cheddar soup. Another delicious antidote to the cold, the Red Bean and Chorizo Stew topped with aged dry jack cheese, served with oyster crackers and artisan bread, is offered daily. Enjoy innovative northwestern cuisine created with organic local ingredients. Happy Hour menu 4-6 every day of the week.

Bardenay
155 E Riverside Drive
938-5093
bardenay.com

The “scratch” kitchen at Oak Barrel of Eagle is able to accommodate almost any sensitivity and offers many Gluten Free options. Everything, including soups, sauces and dressings, is made fresh and in-house. The Fisherman’s Wharf is a very popular and delicious flour-free chowder. The Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup reminds one of Christmas in its classic simplicity of deep red from tomatoes combined with the vibrant green of fresh basil. “Almost any soup can be made gluten free by thickening with mashed potatoes or a corn starch slurry instead of a flour rue,” shares Oak Barrel’s Kristina Anderson. There is always a delicious soup of the day–sometimes a creamy vegetable soup or a mouth-watering Chicken Cordon Bleu. Happy Hour is daily from 3pm-6pm. If you want to warm up the crowd during a winter evening, Karaoke begins at 8:30pm on Wednesday nights and 9:00pm on Friday nights.

Oak Barrel
1065 E. Winding Creek Dr.
938-3010
boiseoakbarrel.com

Orient yourself with delectable offerings at Rice, a contemporary Asian restaurant, co-owned by Toffee Dullaphan and Fon Tavijaroen. Savor sumptuous soups and customize them to your taste with spice levels ranging from mild to very spicy. Selections include Rice’s Sweet & Sour Chicken Soup–rice in chicken broth, chicken, onion, cilantro, peas, carrots, and tomatoes, and gluten free options: Tom Kha Coconut Soup with tofu or your choice of meat (chicken, shrimp), coconut broth, lemongrass, mushroom, onion, and cilantro or Tom Yum Soup–your choice of meat, herb broth, lemongrass, mushroom, onion, and cilantro. Nominated Best Asian Restaurant in the Best of Treasure Valley by the Idaho Statesman, Rice also offers Vietnamese Pho Noodles–sliced beef and Asian meat balls served on top of steamed soft rice noodle in beef broth, cilantro, onions and bean sprouts. 

Rice
228 E Eagle Plaza St.
Suite Q & R
939-2595
riceeagle.com

For fine dining and traditional Italian delicacies with a river view, visit Bella Aquila. Savor the cioppino, an Italian fish stew highlighting scallops, prawns, white clams, crab meat, smoked salmon, and mussels in a spicy tomato saffron broth, over linguine, with grilled focaccia. Or try the minestrone or zuppa di giorno. Extend your meal with a sensual dessert like homemade cannoli, a delicate tube pastry filled with ricotta, blackberry liqueur, and chocolate infused mascarpone cream, dipped in chocolate and hazelnut. Bella Aquila’s outstanding wine selection has been recognized by Wine Spectator magazine. Happy hour 4-6 M-Sat and Sunday brunch.

Bella Aquila Restaurant
775 S. Rivershore Ln.
938-1900
bellaaquilarestaurant.com

Made from scratch soup at Perks of Life will perk you up. Try the Chicken Gnocchi, gluten free Chicken Tortilla, tasty Tomato Basil, or spicy hot Jalapeno Cheddar. Perks of Life celebrated its tenth year in business in December. It’s a good place to sip, sup, or soup it up.

Perks of Life
1540 E Iron Eagle Dr.
Ste. 130
938-7809