Sampling Soup's On

Pasta e fagioli with prosciutto and pancetta

Amanda: Because I'm so dedicated to my craft (which to the outside observer probably looks like sampling lots of food all day long, but is actually Journalism with a capital J), I tried this ham-fest. And, I'll admit, it had some of the best flavor of all the soups we sampled. Meat does have a purpose, especially salty cured meats. There, I said it. Now stop waving those sausages in my face.
3.5 stars

Mark: The cured meats in the fagioli make this the saltiest soup on a menu of reduced-salt offerings, which helps this particular bean- and pasta-laden cup gain fans. It's hearty, tomato-flavored and topped with parmesan, in case you needed more to love.
4 stars