THIS WEEK: SUPER SOUPS

Honey, it’s cold outside. What you need is a bowl of steamy, mmm-mmm good soup.

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GARDENS AT THE

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL

The combination might sound positively strange, but Ashley James’ banana, coconut and lemon grass soup is a glorious, creamy concoction that reflects the chef’s world travels -- stints in Singapore, Mexico and Argentina -- and comes garnished with a grilled shrimp skewer and sesame shrimp toast. 300 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 273-2222

WATERCRESS

Little bits of crispy pancetta go a long way in making the lovely orange pureed butternut squash soup at this sharp little cafe extra delicious. (We might have licked the bowl had no one been looking.) It’s not available every day, so call ahead. And Watercress is open only for breakfast and lunch, so don’t show up at dinnertime for your fix! 13565 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, (818) 385-1448

JERRY’S FAMOUS DELI

This matzo ball soup has tender, fluffy, nicely seasoned balls the size of grapefruits and the golden broth has shredded chicken too. Therapy in a bowl and available 24/7 at the WeHo-adjacent location. 8701 Beverly Blvd., L.A., (310) 289-1811

CARNIVAL

Soulful and satisfying, the thick lentil soup at this Lebanese joint is also vegetarian friendly with its simple recipe: olive oil, onions, lentils and, to season, cumin, coriander and salt. 4356 Woodman Ave., Sherman Oaks, (818) 784-3469

COMME CA

Chef Michael David ate countless bowls of onion soup in France and tinkered with every component of the robust classic before arriving at this near-perfect version. Made with Spanish onions, flavorful chicken stock and a nutty young Gruyere, the soupe a l’oignon gratinee arrives in a porcelain lion’s head terrine. Some diners request the crouton top extra crispy. 8479 Melrose Ave., L.A. (323) 782-1104

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