Soups On!!

Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007
Caroline's Pick
The Original SoupMan
500 16th Street, Suite 136
Denver , CO 80202
Mon-Fri: 11:00am - 8:00pm
Sat: 11:00am - 8:00pm
Sun: 11:00am - 7:00pm
Attendees: Ang., Carol, Caroline, Jen, Marie, Rhonda

The infamous Denver Dinnergirls had a wonderful time at our latest restaurant...The International Soup Kitchen located in downtown Denver, just off the 16th Street Mall. Someone had noticed on the website that the place was only open until 8:00 p.m., so I called ahead to see if we needed reservations or if there was even any seating inside the restaurant. We had no idea.

When I called a really friendly man named Rick (the owner) answered. I called right at lunch time, so I am sure the store was busy. I told Rick we wanted to come in with a group and would not make it there until 7:00 p.m. He commented there would be plenty of room at that time of night. His concern was having some food left for us!! The style of this restaurant is to make so much soup each day and when it's gone, it's gone. So he offered to stash some away so we would be sure to have our pick when we arrived so late. He suggested the lobster bisque and a turkey chili. Also suggested he would have some turkey sandwiches available if we wanted. I was so impressed by his friendliness and willingness to accomodate our group, and the time he spent talking to me at during his lunch hour!

I laughed my way through the conversation and he asked me to call ahead in the morning and tell him how many I thought would be there. This is the type of customer service which is commonly lacking in our restaurant scene unless you are at a very high-priced establishment where you pay to be treated well. Wow, I was really looking forward to this and so were all the girls. We each reviewed the rules of the soup kitchen and laughed at their website which lists these rules in about 17 different languages!

A warm fall night, we girls headed to the Light Rail Station to travel downtown for our evening of fun! We got on the train and enjoyed our trip downtown. We laughed most of the way and were all getting hungry as we arrived at the Kitchen. It was much brighter and more modern than I had envisioned, and from what I could see was very clean. We were the only people there and that was great because we all had questions. You walk up to the counter and place your order and get your drink.

Rick came out and greeted us and said there was plenty of soup and salads and food for all of us. He did recommend the lobster bisque which is a favorite. The staff behind the counter who took our food order and prepared it were very friendly, indeed!! You just had to like them, although I appreciate when people are a little more efficient. From the crowds that I knew came during the day, I felt these people must be new and still learning the system. There was a bit of confusion getting the right meal to each person,

Most of us ordered the lobster bisque, one ordered the vegetable barley. You can get a cup, or a bowl and it comes w/ a piece of french bread, an apple and a fancy Lindor chocolate for dessert! Some of us also ordered the sandwich combo. I was hungry decided upon a 1/2 chicken panini with my bisque, although I am no panini fan. We all sat down and started tasting and quickly heard ummm, yummm, hmmmm!! All positive signs! And sounds!

I grew up in Denver and always thought lobster bisque was a creamy tomato-like soup. Not this bisque, baby! It was full of large chunks of lobster and very, very tasty. It actually reminded me more of a seafood stew there was so much real lobster! Our girl Marie, from DC commented how delicious she thought it was and it reminded her of home. My sandwich was also delicious with crispy bread and tender chicken. Of course I could not resist my piece of french bread with real butter, delish! I tried Rhonda's barley soup and it was great and also chock full of barley and veggies. I think Ang ordered the muffaletta sandwich. It was lost behind the counter in the confusion and came out late, although she enjoyed it once she received it.

We learned that all of the soup is actually prepared in New York and shipped here and is heated by steam, so no flavor is lost. The menu changes daily, although I believe the lobster bisque is a mainstay.

I don't think any of us ate our apples and wanted to give them back to the restaurant. This is a health code violation, so was not allowed. We discussed having the option to take an apple only if you wanted it. I had worried the prices seemed high for soup. Everyone commented they were more than satisfied with their meal and felt the quality and quantity (and heartiness of the soup) is definitely worth the cost.

While were were there more people started coming in and Rick commented that this was the busiest they had ever been in the evening. This restaurant caters to downtown lunch folks. I surmise as the weather gets colder they will be busy all of the time. What a perfect place to stop and eat a hearty bowl of soup after shopping or walking along the mall!!

We all agreed this was a delicious and successful dinner! We usually enjoy wine with our meals and would have enjoyed it with our hearty soups and bread. Given the style of this restaurant I think serving beer would be a positive addition, although no alcohol won't keep me away. I have already recommended this restaurant to many people and wish the best to the owner.

The Denver Dinnergirls left the International Soup Kitchen and headed to Jazz at Jacks for a few sets of music by Bigga Digga. I highly recommend seeing this band although would have enjoyed it more with a hot date!!! Woohoo!! Anyhow, we enjoyed the music and had an interesting and top secret adventure on the lightrail heading home. Hmmmmm...wouldn't you love to know!!