Come back to soup...the original comfort food
Sometimes when you are not looking for something that is exactly when you find it!!!That was the case with Dover New Hampshire's The Soup Guy. In Early March a friend and myself headed to the Berwick Winter Farmers Market. I had hoped to visit our friends from Two Toad Farms and maybe pick up some of Austin's favorite strawberry jelly. This was my first time going so I was excited to see all the venders and pick up a few things. It wasn't as big as I had hoped but I did find myself making my way past every table. I am not sure what caught my attention first, the sweet smells coming from that direction or the energetic and passionate about food owner Curtis Gould but both seemed like an experience not to be missed. Making my way closer I was struck by the many Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free option they had. I thought I had died and went to heaven but the question was "does it taste good?" Lets just say even as I am typing and thinking back to that day I am having a craving to sample another pick from The Soup Guy variety of menus choices. I quickly learned I was being drawn into the world of The Soup Guy. It took little time for me to decide, I not only wanted to know more about the owner but also taste more of what he had to offer.
So this past week I had the pleasure of taking a road trip to Dover New Hampshire to have lunch and sample more delicious food from The Soup Guy. I must say I was excited to see what menu items they had on their Food Truck. Since January Curtis Gould, owner and chef of The Soup Guy expanded his events and Farmers Market retail outlet by setting up a standing Food Truck in the parking lot of Janetos Plaza in downtown Dover. It has not only been a big success but he is working on other ideas to bring community and healthy food choices together for not only Dover but New England as well. I must say it had been a while since I had eaten from a Food Truck and I had forgotten how this Grab and Go idea was now crossing the country and let alone food barriers. What a great idea to be able to grab something healthy to either eat then or take home for later and knowing that it is all Natural, 100% Gluten free and locally sourced whenever possible makes The Soup Guy a perfect match for this girl.
The first thing I noticed was how amazing the choices were! From Wraps to Quesadillas, Chili and of Course a Variety of Soup and Soup Toppers.
I really didn't know where to start as I waited for the owner Curtis Gould to get there so I could sample some of his most popular dishes. The List of Soup Toppings made my mouth water and I hadn't even decide what I would like to sample with them!
The first thing that caught my eye was how you can tailor make your soups and smoothie to fit your taste buds by picking a choosing toppings or smoothie ingredients that you like. No pre made list, just made to order. This I find is a great way to experiment with new food ideas but also change it up on those days when you're looking for just a little something different to spice up your day!
I hear even If you can't decide or you need some help there is always a friendly face behind the window willing to help you out.
While waiting I had the pleasure of meeting a few of the regulars who stop by for a smoothie or to grab a bite to eat on their lunch. The overall theme I found in talking to everyone was that The Soup Guy offers something for everyone. The die hard Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free eater and those who care more about Great Taste and Good Quality then what is in it have both found a place they can enjoy. It is not hard to see why in 2010 they were the Winner of "Best of NH" Magazine for Healthy Soups! Soup might of been the base of this recipe for success but its the details to taste, flavors and using local produce whenever possible in all his dishes that keep bringing customers back.
Shortly after meeting Curtis Gould I could see why his recipes were so delicious and the idea so rewarding not only for himself but also for his customers. Curtis's sees food more than as a business, he sees it as a way to give back to the world through something he is passionate about, food. When he talks about his food and business you can see his goals are centered around a lifestyle he himself lives daily making his business just a extension of himself in many ways. He has a passion for food and shares it with the world by serving up comfort food that is timeless. While keeping an eye on freshness, details and of course taste.
Boy was my taste buds singing as we began to sample a mixture of The Soup Guys most popular dishes along with Curtis Goulds favorites.
I started with their Cuban Citrus Black Bean Soup.....
The flavors were amazing and as much as a black bean soup can sometimes be heavy on your tummy this left me wanting more and thinking about taking some home for dinner later on that night. The flavors danced on my tongue and as I said left me wanting more.
Then of course you know when I found out that they were known for their Bootleg Chili I had to have a tofu chili dog!!!!
I must confess it was the "Best" Chili ever! You would never know it was Vegan! The flavors were so delightful that I almost forgot I was eating something that wasn't sinful but good for me!
It wouldnt be fair to not take a moment a talk about The Soup Guy's Chili, how could I not.....
With ingredients like this how could you not have a winner on your hands!
His Chili does bring back one of the comfort foods from my childhood, when a chili dog was smothered with diced onions and cheese with a dollop of sour cream! Yum! Now it is possible to have all of it back but now served Vegan style and its good for me!! My Taste Buds and My Soul are very happy!! Who said eating healthy had to be boring? Not The Soup Guy for sure!
Welcome Back Chili Dogs To My Life, I Had Missed You So!!
I must also tell you they have an option of putting chili or soup on top of rice adding another great way to enjoy the flavors you love. This seems to be a hit at The Food Truck!
Just when I thought I had tasted all I needed to now make The Soup Guy one of my new favorite spots in Dover to grab a bite to eat Curtis asked me to try the "Americana Falafel" with a topping of jalapeno pear salsa..
Okay, if I wasn't in love yet when Curtis offered me a bite of his Americana Falafel I fell hard and fast and it only took one bite with the salsa to know I was in love and addicted. I must say that alone is worth the 30 minute ride to Dover! If you are a Falafel lover or never had one this is The Soup Guys must try!! I can not stop thinking about it and I will admit I have had to stop myself from jumping in the car and making my way to Dover to grab another bite of what can only be described as "Falafel Love"
What more can I say except we topped our tasting off with a nice cool refreshing and delicious smoothie... Which like any great desert left me feeling more than satisfied. The Soup Guys prices are reasonable, tastes are amazing and even if you're not into healthy or conscience eating the Chili alone will rock your world.
As for the rest of my visit it only confirmed what I already knew. Curtis Gould's idea of bring back comfort food in a way that not only awakens your taste buds but feeds your body and soul is just the beginning for The Soup Guy.
So if you're ever in Dover New Hampshire and are looking for a great place to eat or if you're out at a Farmers Market and see The Soup Guy there, make sure you sample some of the fabulous soup and other dishes they have to offer. I promise like me you will fall in love with the first bite and be longing to find a way to make The Soup Guy a part of your life....
For More Information or To Check Out Where You Can Sample some Amazing Soup or Chili you can contact The Soup Guy on Facebook at facebook.com/thesoupguy or come visit their Food Truck at Main St. and Chapel St. in Janetos Plaza, Dover NH or call (603)866-6398
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