Archive for 'Soup'

Big City Pizza?

Last fall I wrote my impressions of Big City Soup. It was good then. I have been back several times since then. It is still good. They have figured out how to make soup. But I write today with both trepidation and excitement.

First, the trepidation. When an establishment figures out how to do something well and convinces a large enough audience of that fact (that they do it well), I’m always nervous if they try to expand to something else. There is the risk of the owners and staff losing their focus and having too many things to occupy their attention and then you no longer have one thing done really well, but two things that are just alright. Always a risk when resources are limited.

On the other hand, once someone has figured out to do something really well, there are traits and lessons learned and other things that can be applied and the argument could be made that if they figured out the first thing, then they should also be able to figure out the second.

Enough of my vague ramblings. I was out walking today in downtown Salt Lake, stretching my legs and clearing my head. I ended walking past the main location for Big City Soup and noticed a sign that they have posted in the window next door to their current spot. It said:

Big City Pizza
Coming in April

So, my trepidation for fear they will lose the focus on making good soup, and my excitement that there is another local, non-franchised pizza place opening here. A visit is in order once they’ve actually opened their doors.

Big City Soup

At this time of the year, you have to love a place that specializes in soup. One of their three locations is just around the corner from my office and I was in a bit of hurry today so I ordered some to go. Although I was only in the store briefly, I had a good first impression.

They have a list of signature soups and also daily specials. It looked like they have also started offering sandwiches as well. I ordered their cream of tomato with gorgonzola. The service was friendly and speedy. Before I could decide whether or not I should try one of their rice krispie treats for dessert they had spooned me up a fresh container of the soup, added some good toasted croutons, packaged it up with slice of fresh bread and for a nice additional touch included a pre-bagged set of accompaniments — spoon, knife, salt, pepper, two kinds of mints and a napkin.

The cream of tomato was excellent. Mostly creamy with some chunks of tomato. It was perfectly seasoned and I didn’t even think about extra salt or pepper. I have a strong appreciation for food that is seasoned correctly. I want to go back and try several others of their signature soups and some of the daily specials the day I was there looked good as well. It is going to be a good winter.

Big City Soup
234 South Main
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

www.bigcitysoup.com

(this location is only open during lunch, see their website for their menu and other locations with longer opening hours)