More than just Soup...Soupergirl!

Editor's Note: Rachel has been raving about Soupergirl, so I asked her to tell us all about the place. March was a great month for guest submissions, and DCFUD is still taking guest submissions and applications for new writers.

-JAY

By Guest Blogger: Rachel Frank

I don't know about you, but I often am looking for more than just good taste when I consider my food options. However, I rarely think I'm going to get healthy, delicious, affordable, local, made-from-scratch, eco-conscious and community all delivered to my doorstep. Well, I received all of this through my recent experiences with Soupergirl.

My first order was delivered directly to my work. I emailed my colleagues and everyone gathered around for a soup-break as we passed around the "Heavenly Cinnamon Spice Pear and Parsnip Soup," baked pita chips and brownies. My colleagues devoured the yummy goodies and snatched up the Soupergirl cards to order again. They continue to enjoy the convenience aspect of the delivery. You place your order online the week before and know that every Wednesday (at our office) is Soup Day.

For my second order, I chose the pick-up option at Mr. Yogato in Dupont Circle, as it's right near my apartment and is open late. I wanted to bring my friends together for a "Souper Shabbat." So, Soupergirl's "Legend of the Black Bean Soup" and the "Economic Stimulus Carrot Almond Soup" were my contributions to the meal and I asked my friends to bring salad, bread, wine and dessert. Voila! Everyone contributes, everyone shares and everyone eats. A perfect way to end the week and relax.

Sara Polon (aka Soupergirl), and her Mother, Marilyn Polon (aka Soupermom), inspired by the Austin's iconic Soup Peddler (ironically, my first Austin roommate) and Michael Pollan's "The Omnivore's Dilemma," had a desire to help Washingtonians think local and eat healthy. So they decided to take their talent for making delectable soups on the road. As a former stand up comedian, Soupergirl puts her own special comedic touch on the weekly Monday Menu e-mails. I honestly recommend signing up for the weekly menu just to start your work week off with a laugh. And, how can you not love a mother-daughter business?

As someone who tries to make building community a part of my routine and defines that lofty goal in many ways, I love that Soupergirl's leftovers are sent over to Martha's Table, a DC nonprofit that serves at-risk families. If you're looking for ways you can combine your passion for food and helping those less fortunate in your community, I highly suggest volunteering at Martha's Table or DC Central Kitchen, another outstanding nonprofit using food as a tool to strengthen bodies, empower minds and build community.

Bringing people together through soup was a theme the Soup Peddler taught me while living in Austin. I'm doing my best to start this movement in DC and welcome you to join me. Gather friends, family, or colleagues, serve soup and watch the warm goodness permeate the room.

Soup is sold in pint size ($6.75) and quart size ($12.75) and there is also fresh pita chips, scrumptious brownies from My Sweet Desserts and vegan ones from Sticky Fingers Bakery available.