Cafe Alma
Chef/owner Alex Roberts is using this casual new counterpoint to his adjacent dinner-only dining room as a placeholder for beloved, long-missed dishes culled from Restaurant Alma's past. Starting with this remarkably straightforward antidote to cold weather, its unapologetic tomato flavor teased with fruity olive oil, tons of punchy garlic, hints of rosemary and pops of crunchy, wholly fortifying croutons. $8.
528 University Av. SE., Mpls., 612-379-4909,
almampls.com
Heirloom
Is chef Wyatt Evans' golden, velvety sweet potato soup a response to winter's ubiquitous butternut squash soup? "Exactly," he said with a laugh. "That, and I've recently discovered how much I love the combination of sweet potatoes and goat cheese. Plus, the sweet potato is a great regional ingredient, one that doesn't get used a lot. We really dig it." You will, too. $8.
2186 Marshall Av., St. Paul, 651-493-7267,
heirloomstpaul.com
Upton 43
Those with Swedish ancestry probably have a built-in craving for ärtsoppa, the humble yet hearty yellow split pea soup. Not surprisingly, chef/owner Erick Harcey turns to his grandmother, Bonnie Ramberg, for ärtsoppa inspiration, finishing her souped-up version with hints of bacon, bake shop spices, sour cream and spiced, buttery breadcrumbs. And yes, non-Swedes will love it. $12.
4312 Upton Av. S., Mpls., 612-920-3406, upton43.com
