Never having watched a full episode of Seinfeld, I wasn't quite sure why my friend suggested we go to the Original Soup Man to eat. Don't get me wrong, I love soup and jigae, but I had never heard of this place before to know what made it so special.
We arrived to find that they offered no inside seating but public benches were available one block away. I was excited with the selection of soups available so after much contemplation, I decided I wanted to sample the lobster bisque and clam chowder before I made my decision. Upon my request for a taste, the lady at the counter curtly replied, "no samples, we only show you the soup." We each decided to get the lobster bisque and butternut squash soups without samples and headed to the public benches in front of Chipotle to eat. While we enjoyed our absolutely delicious soups, my friend enlightened me with how the Original Soup Man became what it is after being featured on Seinfeld (she is in love with the show).
Unsurprisingly, I had done it all wrong. I had ordered on the wrong side of the counter, stared at the menu for way too long, and requested forbidden samples. I had been worse than Elaine was on the show and would have been banned for over a decade. For those unfamiliar with the Seinfeld episode, I suggest you YouTube the 'Soup Nazi' or have a friend tell you about the episode because it's supposedly really well-known.
On another note, did you know that one of my celebrity encounters was with Julia Dreyfus? I used to help sell Carmela Ice Cream at farmers markets in L.A. on some weekends one summer and I sold five pints to Julia when I was at the Pacific Palisades market. She was in a yoga outfit and had on big sunglasses so I didn't even know it was her until the guy selling organic granola next to me told me after she left. I was starstruck even though I am not a Seinfeld fan at all.
Anyways, back to the soup. The Original Soup Man is really good. It definitely beats the Hale and Hearty right across the street. The weather was gorgeous and a perfect 74 degrees for sitting outside and enjoying our soup while catching up. Everyone should give the Soup Man a try but make sure to watch the Seinfeld episode beforehand so that you order the right way unlike me!
 |
| The soup comes with bread, fruit, and chocolate. Yum yum. |
 |
| Our city picnic full of soupy goodness |
 |
| The butternut squash- sweetened with honey and full of flavor and spices! |
 |
| The lobster bisque! Full of hunks of lobster, not too thick, and seasoned just right! |
 |
| I thought the bag was really cute |
 |
| Luckily the soup Nazi wasn't there in person to discipline me. He was only giving me the evil eye from above. |
I hope everyone is having a good summer! I am finally going back to the West coast to visit family and friends before school starts again. I am muy excited and will keep you posted!
