FOODIE

Some Soup For You
By Tricia & Danny / foodie@longislandernews.com

Frosty and numb from the cold winter air, the Foodies decided to head to Kozy Kettle in Huntington village for a cup of hot soup we expected would warm us right up.

Upon opening the door of the soup shack known for its bright orange façade, we were greeted by a burst of warm air that welcomed us into the Kettle’s cozy and casual interior. Black stools lined the wall opposite the counter where orders are placed, with two tables conveniently nestled in between for stay-in diners.

Self-proclaimed the first gourmet soups, salads and wraps restaurant on Long Island, Kozy Kettle offers both low fat and vegetarian soup choices and all of their soups are served with a freshly baked popover.

After perusing the extensive soup menu, we opted for the 3 Bean Chili ($6.49, 12 oz.) and the Chicken Dumpling ($6.49, 12 oz.), which we ordered as part of the combo meal ($10.25), a deal that pairs any 12 oz. soup – minus the Lobster Bisque – with a Grilled Cheese or one half of a Grilled Chicken Wrap. We ordered one of each, along with a small Lobster Bisque ($6.99, 12 oz.).

We took our order to go; not even five minutes later we cracked off the tops of our soups and spooned right in, only to find each broth lukewarm, at best.

The Chicken Dumpling soup harkens back to a thicker, richer chicken noodle soup, with its sizable chunks of doughy dumpling, carrots, celery, white and dark meat chicken and onion slices. It's an interesting item to consider if you're trying to break out of the chicken noodle rut. The soup was well complemented by the Grilled Chicken wrap ($6.99, full), which, complete with tomatoes, crunchy iceberg lettuce, tender grilled chicken and a light Italian vinaigrette, is a tasty, filling choice to consider.

The Lobster Bisque was surprisingly disappointing. We're well aware that lobster is a naturally sweet crustacean, but this soup was much sweeter than any lobster bisque should be, as well as sweeter than any others we've had. Also undesirably cool, the soup itself was unusually thick and gloppy. Maybe we caught it on a bad day, but we believe there are certainly better purchases to make at Kozy Kettle.

One of these choices is the 3 Bean Chili, a vegetarian option that blew us away. The fiery chili, stocked with a plethora of beans and vegetables, hit the spot and redeemed the otherwise underwhelming lunch experience.

The Chili was not the only delectable item we ordered, however. The Grilled Cheese, which is available with three types of cheese on three types of bread, was quite possibly the best we’ve ever had. Ordered on white with American cheese and a slice of tomato for an extra 50 cents, the Grilled Cheese was a toasty treasure and a melty delight.

The Kozy Kettle experience wasn’t complete, however, without sampling the fluffy, doughy popovers that are the Kettle’s signature offering. Airy and light, the popovers were a nice side and a savory dipper for the soups we purchased.

With several other soup options to try, the Foodies may soon again hear the whistle of the Kozy Kettle. There are a boatload of other soups to dive into that we will give a chance to on our next adventure, including the Hungarian Mushroom, Pumpkin and the Vegetable Potage. But although there are a number of appetizing sandwiches on the menu to opt for – the Pastrami with Swiss cheese melt ($7.99), for example – from now on, I think we’ll be sticking with the Kettle’s unbelievable, unsurpassable Grilled Cheese.

Prime
117 New York Avenue Huntington
631-385-1515
www.restaurantprime.com

Atmosphere: Sophisticated nautical
with a view of the harbor

Cuisine: New American

Price Range: Expensive

Hours: Lunch Wed-Sat 11:30-3;
Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-10,
Fri-Sat 5-11, Sun 4:30-9;
Brunch Sun 11:30-3

Main Menu