Weekly Lunch Pick
Ravisoups
As temperatures drop, midday comfort food seems more and more appetizing. Here, a lunch combo that conquers the chill By Renée Suen
Take the wrap: the season calls for comfort, and Ravisoups
is happy to provide
Image credit: Renee Suen
The place: At noon on a chilly weekday, the work-weary flock to this two-year-old spot for its famous soups. The long queue moves quickly, with most customers grabbing takeout. Others find a seat at the bar, the large communal table or mesh-top patio furniture that’s been moved into the narrow room for the season.
The crowd: Efficient and smiling servers maintain order despite the rush. Tables turn over quickly as casual suits play musical chairs with students and those regaining their strength after yoga.
The deal: Owner and chef Ravi Kanagarajah—who spent 12 years as the saucier and soup guru at Mildred Pierce—uses prime seasonal ingredients in his gamut of gourmet soups and stews ($8–$9). We take longer to decide on a wrap-and-soup combo ($11) than the kitchen takes to ladle, fill and grill it.
The meal: Corn chowder can sometimes seem like reheated creamed corn, but this version has loads of flavour and texture, thanks to chunks of blue crab meat, Thai basil and fried shallots. Things get spicier with the lamb wrap: thick chunks of braised, curried shoulder are swaddled by tender baby spinach leaves. Nuggets of edamame boost the protein power, and succulent roasted yam cubes, mango-pineapple salsa and a cool mint cilantro chutney cut the heat.
The time: The meal is prepared and served in just eight minutes. We walk out the door a mere 20 minutes later.
The cost: $14.42, including tax and tip.
Ravisoups, 322 Adelaide St. W. (at Peter St.), 647-435-8365, ravisoups.com.
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