By Carrie Byrne Putelo
There is something about winter in the Mohawk Valley that makes a steaming bowl of something comforting feel like pure joy. And for us, this tour has become a tradition.
Our first outing took us across the region on an unforgettable ice cream adventure. The second brought us to orchards and farms in search of the best cider and donuts. Now in our third installment of the MVL Food Tour, RoAnn Destito and I set our sights on the warm and hearty dishes that get us through the cold months. Soups and stews.
If ice cream was about nostalgia and cider and donuts were about seasonal charm, this winter tour focused on comfort, richness, and the kitchens that have mastered the art of warming you from the inside out. And just like a good soup or stew, these tours have become something slow built and meaningful for us.
Every stop is seasoned with friendship, stories, and the kind of laughter that makes the whole experience feel even richer. Together we hit the road with one purpose. Find the coziest bowls across the Mohawk Valley and share the verified details so you can plan your own tour.
Crust Kitchen and Bar, Rome
Address: 86 Hangar Road West, Suite 101, Rome
Phone: (315) 356 8000
We kicked things off in Rome with a classic chili that set the tone for the entire tour. This bowl has everything you want. Beef, peppers, onions, kidney beans, and a deep, slow simmered flavor that tells you the recipe has been perfected over time. It is served with shredded cheese, sour cream, and enough slices of their signature bread to share.
We were also lucky that Chris Destito, co-owner of Crust with Frank Belmonte, was in the house. Not only is he half of the creative team behind Crust’s incredible sandwiches, he is also RoAnn’s son, which made the stop feel especially meaningful. And when I say incredible, I mean truly incredible. If you have not had one of Crust’s sandwiches, consider this your sign. They really are that good. And of course try the chili or their soup of the day while you are at it.
Rich, filling, and exactly what you want on a cold winter day. I would absolutely order it again.
Symeon’s Greek Restaurant, Yorkville
Address: 4941 Commercial Drive, Yorkville
Phone: (315) 736 4074
We continued our tour at one of the most beloved restaurants in the Mohawk Valley. Symeon’s Greek Chicken Soup is a bowl of pure comfort. The lemon brightens the broth, the egg creates a silky finish, and the Pastina brings that familiar warmth everyone loves. Shredded chicken adds heartiness to every spoonful. It feels medicinal and soul warming and is exactly what you crave on a cold winter day.
Symeon himself stopped by our table, just as he is known to do with every table, and the hospitality was incredible. We shared a great moment with him, full of laughs and stories. Experiences like that remind you why dining here always feels special.
Café Daniele, Utica
Address: 1556 Mohawk Street, Utica
Phone: (315) 724 5821
At Café Daniele we found a mushroom stew that defines winter comfort. The dish arrives bubbling and fragrant with mushrooms, sausage, peppers, and onions. It is served over pasta cooked perfectly al dente. A longtime customer leaned over to tell us it was the best he had ever had and that he had been coming there for years. Fresh, generous, full of high quality ingredients, and absolutely packed with sausage.
We were also joined by The Honorable Supreme Court Justice Bernadette Clark, who lit up the table with her warmth and conversation. It was such a pleasure to see her, and she loved the mushroom stew just as much as we did.
A standout stop on the tour.
Mel’s at 22, Cooperstown
Address: 22 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown
Phone: (607) 322 4012
Cooperstown gave us two exceptional soups and the perfect way to end day 1.
Chicken and Rice Soup
A classic made with generous pieces of chicken, fresh vegetables, rice, and a broth that warms you immediately. Light, comforting, full of flavor, and ideal for a cold afternoon in Cooperstown. I loved it so much that I brought some home to my daughter, who has been a little under the weather, so she could have it for dinner.
New England Clam Chowder
Thick, creamy, and full of clams. Potatoes, onions, celery, and that unmistakable coastal flavor make this one of the best chowders we have had. RoAnn has spent plenty of time in Cape Cod and said this rivals anything she has tasted there.
And with that, day two was officially underway.
Pumpernickel’s Deli
Address: 120 Genesee Street, Center Court, New Hartford
Phone: (315) 735-8121
Pumpernickel’s delivered not one, but three standout bowls that reminded us why this longtime favorite continues to feel like home for so many in the Mohawk Valley.
The Sausage and Bean Soup was hearty and deeply satisfying, packed with celery, carrots, and a variety of beans that gave each bite texture and warmth. It is the kind of soup that feels both nourishing and indulgent at the same time.
The Chicken Florentine Soup was another highlight. Loaded with tender chicken, celery, carrots, and orzo, it was rich without being heavy and comforting in the way only a well-balanced chicken soup can be.
And for mushroom lovers, the Mushroom Stew did not disappoint. Sausage, peppers, mushrooms, red sauce, and perfectly al dente rigatoni come together in a bold, flavorful dish that feels like a full meal in a bowl. Each option felt generous, thoughtfully prepared, and exactly what winter calls for.
Peter’s Cornucopia Inc.
Address: 38 New Hartford Shopping Center, New Hartford
Phone: (315) 724-4998
At Peter’s Cornucopia, we found two soups that felt deeply rooted in comfort and tradition, with a third tempting option also on the board that day.
The Chicken and Dumplings was absolutely delicious. A creamy broth filled with chunks of chicken, carrots, and celery, paired with soft, pillowy dumplings that instantly brought to mind the center of a chicken pot pie. The dumplings act like a tender, comforting crust, soaking up the flavor while keeping the dish light enough to finish every bite. Served hot and satisfying, this one truly stood out.
The Moroccan Lentil Soup offered something a little different while still feeling familiar. Lentils, carrots, celery, and onion come together with warm Moroccan spices that are flavorful without being overpowering. It is balanced, comforting, and especially fitting for the season. And for those who follow tradition, lentils on New Year’s Day symbolize good luck for the year ahead, making this bowl feel even more meaningful.
They also had a Broccoli Cheddar Soup available that day, adding another classic, comforting option to an already strong lineup.
Roso’s Cafe Catering
Address: 185 Genesee Street, 2nd Floor, Utica
Phone: (315) 735-7676
RoSo’s brought us the first bisque of the tour, and it did not disappoint.
The Sweet Potato Bisque was creamy, smooth, and full of flavor, offering a slightly sweet, comforting profile that felt perfect for winter. Warm, well-balanced, and deeply satisfying, it stood out as something a little different on the tour.
A downtown Utica staple, RoSo’s is known for its fresh and creative sandwiches and salads, along with weekly specials that keep locals coming back. It is a go-to spot for lunch and takeout, and their ever-changing soup menu, including vegetarian-friendly options, makes it an easy favorite for anyone looking for variety and thoughtful, well-prepared food.
Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner
Address: 100 West Albany Street, Herkimer
Phone: (315) 866-8801
Crazy Otto’s delivered a true diner classic with their Beef Vegetable Soup, and it was exactly what you hope for when you order it.
This bowl was loaded with big chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, peas, onions, celery, corn, and green beans, all in a tomato-based clear beef broth. Hearty, rustic, and full of vegetables, it felt like a soup that has been perfected over years of daily specials and loyal regulars. Crazy Otto’s is known for its breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, and comfort-driven menu, and this soup fits right in.
WuKong Asian Restaurant
Address: 435 Main Street, New York Mills
Phone: (315) 316-0996
WuKong brought bold flavor and balance to the tour with two exceptional soups.
The Hot and Sour Soup was rich and deeply flavorful without being overly spicy. Mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, cabbage, egg, and wood ear mushrooms come together in a well-balanced broth that feels authentic and satisfying. The texture, depth, and seasoning made this one of the most memorable hot and sour soups we have had.
The Dumpling Soup was equally impressive. A light chicken broth with a subtle hint of sesame oil sets the stage for delicate pork-filled dumplings topped with scallions. The dumplings themselves are small, tender, and wrapped in a thin skin that avoids heaviness and lets the filling shine. It leans more toward a refined dumpling soup than a traditional wonton soup, and it was absolutely delicious.
