No Soup for You!

Let me start by saying, “this whole "eating local" bandwagon?...I’m on it”. I really think it’s the best way to go. Springfield has some wonderful restaurants, run by good, hard-working and honest people. We need to take care of our own by supporting local businesses. I truly believe that. So, that being said….what is wrong with us? I see a trend of chains offering healthier options with smaller portions. Oh, they still offer gargantuan too, but at least we have the choice. They also offer options for those with food allergies. It’s like the country has a reverse ripple going on. Instead of the drop in the middle, it seems the folks on either coast set the trend and then 10 years later we decide it might be a good idea.

So, what’s my point for this entry? I’m getting to it. I was supporting a local establishment that is a popular staple downtown for the lunch crowd. I was doing my part. This place, The Feed Store, offers seven soups and a multitude of sandwiches…. SEVEN SOUPS! Now, as a gluten-free eater, I know that ordering soup can be tricky. Cream-based soups usually have flour to thicken them. But, I reasoned that out of seven options, surely I could find one that I could eat. I geared up, preparing my taste buds for a beef vegetable or a nice tasty lentil. As I looked down the list I saw these choices

Mushroom Bisque

Tomato Bisque

French Potato

Cream of Spinach

Cream of Broccoli

Wisconsin Cheese

And

Beef Barley (yes, barley is on the list of no-no’s for gluten-free eaters)

Never wanting to assume, I asked if by chance they used corn starch in any of their soups instead of flour. Nope. Every last one was off limits.

Okay, so here is my point. I’ll try to eat local if local tries to feed me gluten free. We’re going to try and change their ways….stay tuned.