From A Past Issue Of The New Orleans Menu Daily Originally published September 25, 2008 Ten Best Turtle Soups 1. Brennan's. 417 Royal, 525-9711. All turtle meat, a great texture and spice level, and enough tomato to mellow the taste without becoming tomatoey. This is on my mind as soon as I even begin making plans to dine at Brennan's. 2. Commander's Palace. 1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221. The definitive modern version with spinach has become lighter in recent times, and less appealing. It's made with veal as well as turtle meat, which gives it a milder flavor that appeals to more people. 3. Court of Two Sisters. 613 Royal, 522-7273. Old-style, with a big flavor from an interesting array of spices and seasonings, a perfect tomato component, and chunky with meat. 4. Palace Café. 605 Canal, 523-1661. Like many things here, this version recalls the cooking that Commander's Palace was doing ten years ago. Terrific. 5. Bourbon House. 144 Bourbon, 522-0111. Same recipe as above. 6. Muriel's. 801 Chartres, 568-1885. Another descendant of the Commander's version, but very well made at that--enough so that the place is becoming famous for it. 7. Arnaud's. 813  Bienville, 523-5433. A little tomato, a lot of turtle meat, and a fine spice level. 8. Mandina's. 3800 Canal, 482-9179. Great version, with the classic Creole turtle soup flavor--even though there's not a speck of turtle meat in there. 9. Galatoire's. 209 Bourbon, 525-2021. One of the good changes in the menu in recent years has been a great improvement in the turtle soup, which is now one of the best. 10. Bon-Ton Cafe. 401 Magazine, 524-3386. They're famous for their turtle soup, made in the very old style, with a good bit of lemon. © 2008 Tom Fitzmorris. All rights reserved. news@nomenu.com