Experience the Unforgettable: The Driskill Hotel’s Legendary 1886 Cafe & Bakery Cheese Soup
Austin, Texas, a city renowned for its vibrant culture, live music, and incredible culinary scene, recently played host to an unforgettable gathering of food enthusiasts. During a BlogHerFood conference, amidst networking with fellow bloggers and exchanging innovative ideas, the true highlight for many of us was the exploration of Austin’s diverse and delicious food landscape. It wasn’t all work; indeed, a significant portion of our time was dedicated to seeking out and savoring exceptional dishes that define this unique Texan city. We were on a mission to discover the very best, and Austin certainly delivered.
Our journey through Austin’s gastronomy was greatly enriched by the company of Samantha from Five Heart Home. Not only is she an absolute delight, but as an Austin local, her insights were invaluable, guiding us directly to the city’s must-try culinary destinations. A quick side note: Samantha’s highly anticipated cookbook, “Real Food Slow Cooker Suppers,” had just been released, and it’s nothing short of amazing! I had the privilege of getting a sneak peek over the weekend and was so impressed that I ordered my copy on the spot. Filled with delightful slow cooker recipes, it’s a testament to her talent and passion for good food. You absolutely won’t want to miss it!
This cookbook is a treasure trove of hearty, wholesome slow cooker meals, perfect for anyone looking to simplify their cooking without compromising on flavor. I wholeheartedly recommend it!
A Taste of Texas: From BBQ to Boutique Hotel Dining
Our Austin culinary adventure began on Friday evening with a visit to the iconic Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, Texas. While I wouldn’t typically describe myself as a die-hard BBQ enthusiast, Salt Lick completely transformed my perspective. This legendary establishment offers authentic Texas BBQ served family-style, complete with all the traditional fixings. The smoky aroma, the tender meat, and the vibrant atmosphere created an unforgettable dining experience. I was so thoroughly impressed that I even brought home “AwesomeSauce” t-shirts for my husband and myself, a memento of a truly remarkable meal.
Saturday brought another exciting lunch excursion, this time to the historic Driskill Hotel and its charming 1886 Cafe & Bakery, nestled in the heart of downtown Austin. The Driskill, a landmark since 1886, exudes a timeless elegance and grandeur. Walking through its doors feels like stepping back in time, surrounded by stunning architecture and rich history. The 1886 Cafe & Bakery, located within this magnificent hotel, is a culinary gem offering a delightful menu of classic comfort foods with a sophisticated twist.
The Driskill Hotel’s Culinary Gems: Beyond the Cheese Soup
Our group was eager to sample the 1886 Cafe’s highly recommended dishes. We ordered three “must-try” items: the famous Cheese Soup, the hearty Hangover Burger, and a decadent slice of Chocolate Cake. Each dish was a testament to the cafe’s reputation for quality and flavor. The Hangover Burger was robust and satisfying, while the Chocolate Cake was an indulgent, perfectly sweet finish. However, it was the Cheese Soup that truly stole the show and captured our hearts (and taste buds).
We absolutely raved about the soup. It was a revelation – perfectly creamy, rich, and velvety, with just the right hint of subtle warmth from a touch of spice at the finish. It wasn’t overwhelmingly hot, but rather a gentle kick that elevated the entire experience, making each spoonful more enjoyable than the last. The depth of flavor was incredible, leaving us all craving more. It was truly an amazing culinary creation that has secured its place in my memory as the finest cheese soup I’ve ever had.
The Secret Revealed: Bringing the Driskill’s Cheese Soup Home
Intrigued by its unparalleled flavor, one of the bloggers at our table playfully nudged our waitress, asking, “Psst… you should really give us the recipe.” To our collective surprise and delight, she replied, “Okay!” and promptly returned with copies of the exact recipe for all of us! This unexpected kindness meant we could recreate this magnificent dish in our own kitchens. I’m telling you now – prepare for the internet to be flooded with this incredible recipe, as everyone who tasted it will surely want to share its magic!
Upon seeing my Instagram post about this extraordinary soup, my daughter was immediately excited to try it. The very first day I returned home, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set about making it. We prepared it with care, garnishing each bowl generously with crispy Texas Toast croutons, adding a delightful crunch to the creamy texture. The result was exactly as memorable as our dining experience in Austin. This isn’t a low-calorie dish by any stretch, and one of the key ingredients, Velveeta cheese, might surprise some, but trust me, the outcome is absolutely worth it. This soup is, hands down, the best cheese soup I have ever tasted. So much so, I declared it “life-changing.” It’s one of those recipes you make when you truly want to “treat yo’ self” and your loved ones to something extraordinary.
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Print Recipe
Cheese Soup~ The Driskill Hotel/1886 Cafe & Bakery Austin, TX
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter
- 2 carrots
- 1 large onion
- 3 stalks celery
- 1 cup flour
- 1 quart vegetable stock
- 3 quarts heavy cream
- 1 1/4 pounds Velveeta Cheese Cubed
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Blend vegetables in a food processor set to puree.
- Melt butter in a stock pot. Add vegetables. Sweat vegetables in butter for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle with flour and stir to create a roux.
- Add vegetable stock, whisking to combine. Add cream and simmer 5-10 minutes, taking care not to scorch.
- Remove from heat and blend with a stick blender. Gradually add cheese cubes by handfuls and blend in.
- Blend in Salt, Pepper, and Cayenne.
- Serve topped with big croutons.
Notes
Nutrition
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Plan Your Austin Culinary Adventure
If you find yourself in Austin, Texas, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to The Driskill Hotel and its 1886 Cafe & Bakery. Beyond the unparalleled cheese soup, do yourself a favor and try the Hangover Burger and that incredible Chocolate Cake – you certainly won’t leave hungry! The atmosphere alone, steeped in history and Texan charm, makes for a memorable experience. Whether it’s for a romantic dinner, a casual lunch, or simply to savor a piece of Austin’s heritage, The Driskill offers a culinary journey unlike any other.
Craving More Creamy Comfort? Explore Our Favorite Soup Recipes!
For those who, like me, adore a comforting bowl of soup, especially a creamy one, I’ve got you covered! This cheese soup from The Driskill is a star, but there are so many other delightful creamy soups to explore. Here are a few of our personal favorites that deliver warmth, richness, and incredible flavor:
This hearty soup combines the comforting flavors of tender potatoes, crisp green beans, and smoky bacon in a rich, creamy broth. It’s perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you need a bowl of pure comfort. Simple to make and incredibly satisfying, it’s a family favorite that always disappears fast.
Forget the canned versions – once you try this homemade cream of mushroom soup, you’ll never go back! Bursting with earthy mushroom flavor and a luxurious creamy texture, it’s a versatile soup that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base in various recipes. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare and tastes infinitely better than store-bought.
This unique Cabbage & Bleu Cheese Soup, inspired by Taxi’s in Omaha, offers a surprisingly delicious combination of flavors. The subtle sweetness of cabbage pairs beautifully with the tangy, pungent notes of blue cheese, all enveloped in a creamy broth. It’s an adventurous yet comforting soup that will impress even the most discerning palates.
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Baked Potato Soup. It’s like your favorite baked potato, but in a bowl! Packed with tender potato chunks, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh chives, this rich and creamy soup is incredibly hearty and satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy night in and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.