Good Afternoon from….Delta Airlines Flight 2508!

Today I write you once again from miles high as I make my way to San Fran.  Gosh I love in-flight wi-fi!  Not only can I get some work done on these long flights…but I can take a break to talk to you!  🙂

I apologize for my absence from Indulge.  Last week Ryan and I “indulged” in our last beach getaway before the arrival of Baby B.  With a full week in the Dominican Republic…cell phones off, laptops closed, and nothing but sun, relaxation and buffet meals to fill our days, we soaked up every minute of it!  I will write you soon with the details of the trip, photos of our favorite meals, and a few pics of my growing belly.  In the meantime, let’s get back to FOOD!

With a return flight home to Iowa getting in late on Monday night, I have spent the last few days catching up on as much work as possible….after all, I had just 3 days on Iowa soil before jet-setting again at the crack of dawn this morning.  In the brief time I was home, Ryan and I filled up on some of our favorite simple meals (isn’t is funny how you miss your own cooking when you are on vacation?!) like our Strawberry Chardonnay Spring Mix Salad topped with a Balsamic Grilled Chicken Breast!  I swear…this salad never gets old at our house. 

In those few days at home, we also made time to see the doctor and check on our little munchkin.  To celebrate a clean bill of health and a complication-free pregnancy thus far, we grabbed a bite to eat at one of my VERY favorite lunch spots in Iowa City, HER SOUP KITCHEN.  For those of you who live in or near Iowa City, be sure to visit this eclectic little restaurant in downtown Iowa City.  It is locally owned and serves generous portions of DELICIOUS soups, salads, and sandwiches! 

Barb, who is always behind the counter and ready with a smile, knows as soon as I walk in that I am in need of her Roasted Portabella Sandwich and a cold glass of Cucumber Water!  Honestly…this goes beyond cravings.  That is one dang good sandwich! 

Roasted Portabella

Portabella mushrooms, fresh mozzarella, roasted red pepper pesto, caramelized onions, fresh spinach, balsamic reductions and olive oil, served on toasted Ciabatta.

Ryan, on the other hand, is a huge fan of the Cuban sandwich!  He finds the horseradish mustard a little strong (I think it burnt a nose-hair or two the first time he tried it) but has found that a mix of plain mustard to tone it down makes it “just right“!

Cuban

Dry-rubbed,slow roasted pork loin, shaved ham, Spicy Dijon,smoked swiss cheese and dill slices served on a Ciabatta bun.

Since finding this special little restaurant just a few months back, I filled up my frequent diner card (ok…maybe more than once), introduced my husband, friends, and several co-workers.  I have yet to find someone who is unhappy with their experience. While they aren’t open on Saturdays (hey, they need a day off too), be sure to stop in for lunch or give their Sunday brunch a try.  I promise you won’t be disappointed!  Mark.My.Words.

Her Soup Kitchen
625 S Dubuque Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240

http://www.hersoupkitchen.com/

Indulge.  In Life.  In Love.  In Food.