Boston Chowda Company has several cafes in Boston, MA, and the North Shore.   They’re known for their locally inspired chowders and soups but they also make pot pies, sandwiches, pasta sauces, and other treats.  Many items are available to-go from a refrigerated case so you can enjoy a lobster pot pie or pesto sauce at home.  If you don’t have a location near you, some of Boston Chowda’s products are available at supermarkets throughout the country.

I was thrilled when I was invited to sample some soups and chowders.   The cafes invite you to sample as many soup and chowder offerings as you like before committing, which was great since they had more than a half-dozen types of soup/chowder available on my recent visit.  I tried a few spoonfuls of the Paul Revere Chili before finally deciding on Creamy Tomato Bisque.  They were both good, though.  The chili was full of ground meat, tomatoes, and beans and was a bit spicy, while the bisque was sweet and pleasing.  The tomato bisque included pecorino romano cheese and cream cheese which countered the acidity of the tomatoes nicely.  It was lightly seasoned and comforting.

My husband raved about his fish chowder and told me it was better than the typical clam chowders he likes to eat from time to time.  It was full of chunks of haddock, celery, and potatoes in a creamy, well-seasoned broth that was neither too thick nor too thin.  It tasted like New England in a bowl!  We also split a chicken salad sandwich, and the soup and salad combo was a perfect lunch for a warm October afternoon.