Summer Soups & Seasonal Surprises
As the days lengthen and Exeter’s streets bask in golden sunlight, The Soup Aisle is proving that soup is a year-round affair—not just a winter comfort. Even during the warmer months soup is a canvas for creativity and a celebration of local abundance.
Soup Beyond the Seasons
Traditionally, soup has been the antidote to cold weather: a steaming bowl cradled between chilly hands, a balm against the bluster outside. But The Soup Aisle is reimagining this narrative. Summer soups—chilled, vibrant, and brimming with the local farms’ best produce—are an invitation to slow down and savor the moment. They’re a reminder that comfort isn’t confined to hearth and home. We need comfort and health-packed soups even when it’s hot out. Especially when it’s hot out! Don’t believe us? You haven’t tried our Gazpacho yet. It’s got the crunch of a cucumber, the tang of a tomato — many variations to try including Gazpacho with avocado-corn relish and Watermelon Cucumber Gazpacho.
For some New Englanders, chilled soups are a revelation. These are the quintessential soups for picnics, for porch swings, for un-air-conditioned offices, lazy afternoons, and small gatherings. It’s the cure for a summer cold. It’s soup that hydrates as much as it nourishes. We’re also making chilled Vichyssoise this week which is exciting! It’s our twist on a French classic. Our soups are seasonal and change weekly. Enjoy them while you can!
The Art of the Picnic
Summer dining is about movement and connection. The Soup Aisle’s curated picnic offerings—think mango slaw, citrus couscous, and artisan bakes—are designed to make every meal an event. These are dishes that travel well, taste even better in the open air, and invite sharing. They’re a testament to the idea that food is best enjoyed in good company, whether that’s on a blanket at Swasey Parkway or at a kitchen table with friends.
The addition of signature biscuits, popovers, and cornbread underscores The Soup Aisle’s commitment to craft and comfort. These are part of the experience and a way to make every meal special.
Community at the Core
Our story is as much about people as it is about food. Every ingredient is chosen with care because we want to share our commitment of sustainability – through our food. When you taste a bowl of gazpacho or a bite of cornbread, you’re tasting the Seacoast’s local spirit.
This hyper-local approach is more than a trend; it’s a way of life. Many thanks to people who do it better than us, and props to those who are just getting started. It’s about supporting neighbors, reducing food miles, and celebrating the unique character of the region. For Exeter, this is a value that resonates deeply.
While summer is a time for chilled soups and al fresco dining, The Soup Aisle is already dreaming of autumn’s return—of smoked squash bisques and cider-infused chowders. But for now, the focus is on the present: on making the most of summer’s bounty, on creating moments of connection, and on proving that soup is as versatile as the seasons themselves.
The Soup Aisle 