There’s nothing like early spring in Boston, and on one of the first warm days of the season, we were off to Darwin’s for lunch! With two locations in Harvard Square, one on Mt Auburn Street and the other on Cambridge Street, this popular lunch stop has much to offer!
Serving up some excellent soups, Darwin’s is a deli and cafe also providing sandwiches, salads, take out or eat in, local bakery items, coffee, tea, and, at the Mt. Auburn Street location, even wine and beer. It’s one stop shopping for gourmet goodness!
The soups on the menu on this lovely day were a Thai Chicken and Cream of Endive.
The Thai Chicken is a popular choice and for good reason. This soup surprised my friend who expected nothing so flavorful and hearty. Spiced with ginger, lemongrass and coconut milk in a chicken broth, the Thai flavors produced a sweet and tangy delight and the large cuts of mushrooms, baby corn and chicken disguised this soup as a meal in itself.
For a vegetarian option – also a favorite with Darwin clientele – the Cream of Endive is divine. A very basic soup with a smooth finish and subtle flavoring from garlic and endive, it’s tasteful and sedate and a perfect sandwich accompaniment.
And for an accompaniment, I enjoyed The Brattle, a smoked salmon sandwich reminiscent of a breakfast bagel. Take note: this was at the Mt. Auburn Street location that I enjoyed this sandwich. If you want the same thing at the Cambridge Street location, order yourself The Broadway. The sandwiches at Darwin’s are named, not for the ingredients, but for the area streets. This is one local establishment that doesn’t take “local” for granted.
Any day is a great day to enjoy the offerings of this unconventional deli and cafe. Even better when the sun is shining and you can grab a seat on a bench outside. I can’t wait to see what soups are offered up for the rest of spring! www.darwinsltd.com