If I was on Family Feud answering the question, “What is your favorite food during summertime?” I might end up with my own viral GIF if I shouted, “soup.” It’s understandable–summer and hot liquid aren’t much of a match.
But this summer, I encourage you to look past the name of Austin-based The Soup Peddler, which has a lot to offer even at this time of year.
The Soup Peddler’s August special smoothie with proceeds going toward an Austin nonprofit
Consider:
- More than half of The Soup Peddler’s menu is filled with fresh juices and smoothies, which do pair magically with summertime.
- This local business now has three brick and mortar locations, in addition to the walk-up stand off South 1st Street. You can dine indoors on Airport Boulevard near I-35, on South Lamar Boulevard and on 183 just south of Anderson Mill Road.
- The Soup Peddler actually has cold soups for summer. The newest release is Green Gazpacho with avocados, green grapes, organic Johnson’s Backyard Garden cucumbers, parsley and cilantro.
It was pouring rain during my most recent visit, so hot soup was pretty attractive. I split my affection between smoothie, soup and salad:
Peach-achu smoothie – mango, peach, goji berry, organic local yogurt, local raw honey, fresh orange juice. This is a special smoothie for August and a full fifty percent of proceeds goes to Little Helping Hands, an Austin nonprofit that engages children in volunteerism. There will be a new smoothie every month, with donations going toward a different organization.
Basil pesto and provolone sandwich
Basil pesto and provolone sandwich – Delicious Tillamook cheese (no preservatives or artificial ingredients) combined with the fresh taste of basil on locally-made bread. The Soup Peddler’s sandwiches are instant comfort food. Because of their simplicity, they pair perfectly with the soup lineup, complementing instead of competing.
Mulligatawny soup with curried lentils and vegetables, thickened with coconut milk
Mulligatawny soup – Swoon. The mulligatawny is essentially a curried lentil soup. But the explosion of flavor is magnificent: cauliflower, green apple, the lentils and other vegetables, thickened with coconut milk. Don’t you love it when healthy food is also incredibly delicious?
No matter the menu item, The Soup Peddler goes to extra effort and expense to use compostable cups, recycling and composting as much as possible to avoid waste.
I do a silent cheer for The Soup Peddler every time I see a new location go up in Austin. This is the kind of sustainable, community-focused business I want to support in my city, summer and all year ’round.
@theAustinot wants to know:
What is your favorite menu item at The Soup Peddler?
Disclosure: The Soup Peddler gave me a gift card, so I could to try their summer offerings. All opinions are my own.
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