To new students and those who don’t usually wander down to the South Campus dining halls, you are in for a treat. On Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, from 11:00 to 1:30, Freeman, serves the freshest and “homiest” meal on campus…Soup and Bread. While you won’t find the classic chicken noodle or Italian wedding soups at this vegetarian dining hall, you will discover other flavorful varieties, which will become your new favorites. Try to get there as early as you can, because tables are few, and you will want to sit and enjoy!??
Last year as a freshman, I was a dedicated soup and bread attendee, and lucked out when my schedule was free around lunch time. Because I have been so many times, I consider myself familiar with the various selections, and there are definitely some that I look forward to (see below)! I tried two of the three options at the beginning of the week. First, I sampled the Thai coconut and ginger bisque. The combination sounded strange at first, but to my surprise, the flavors were delicious. It was a little too creamy for my liking, and I’m glad that I didn’t serve myself a full bowl because I do not think I could have finished it!??
The vegan white bean and Florentine vegetable soup was perfect for bread dipping. It was full of mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, and carrots and the broth was simple. With a little cheese on top, this was my top choice.??
The option that I did not try was the vegan vegetables and rice soup. It looked pretty bland with some carrots and white rice in a rather clear red broth. You can usually expect this kind of simple option to be offered. Don’t get me wrong- there is nothing wrong with simple… I just prefer a more hearty and tasteful meal! ??
While the salad bar is not nearly as plentiful as is in Harris, the selection is different and in my opinion, better. There are tasty extras such as roasted asparagus and tomatoes and Thai noodles with cabbage. The vegetables are crisper and though the wide variety of salad dressings isn’t offered, you won’t want or need them to cover up the freshness!
??Last but not least, the bread is the highlight of the meal. Whether it’s covered in sesame seeds or full of raisins, it is guaranteed to be fresh and if you arrive at the right time, you might just get it fresh out of the oven. While I could eat a whole loaf plain, there are buttery spreads and rosemary olive oil if you choose not to dip in the soup. This week, there was the signature garlic herb butter and a honey butter. I’m not usually a fan of honey, but on the way out, I spread some honey butter on a piece of wheat bread and it was just the right amount of salty and sweet. Highly recommended!
Options to keep an eye out for:
Tomato Bisque: Pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese on crunchy bread
Tomato Pesto with Cheese Tortellini: If you love pesto as much as I do, you have to try this (the cheese tortellini are a flavorful alternative to the standard rice or noodles).
Roasted artichoke, Spinach, and Feta: Put some of this on top of bread and it’s as good as any roasted veggie pizza!
“I indulged in a bowl of White Bean and Florentine Vegetable soup with a piece of warm, soft sesame bread with garlic herb butter. I added the roasted asparagus and tomatoes to some mixed greens with a little balsamic vinegar.”
“It is impossible to walk by these baskets of bread and not snag a piece.”