Soup Challenge 4: Chris Osborne (Fine Dining Chef/Consultant/Sales Rep/Manager Specialty Produce) - Monzu Fresh Pasta
Soup Challenge #4 had me trying something new and unanticipated, nothing less than what I would expect from an OG friend that, although soft spoken at times, likes to make a statement with his food. Chris Osborne met me at Monzu Fresh Pasta in East Village for a wonderful soup. I don't generally choose soup when eating Italian, considering how many HUNDREDS of amazing pasta & sauce combinations exist, so this was something special for me. The soup he chose was a Pappa al Pomodoro soup, originally from Tuscany. It's basically a fresh tomato based soup thickened with stale or leftover bread. Other ingredients include olive oil, garlic and basil, the basis for any Italian food lover. Chris told me he chose this place not only because of convenience of distance to his home but also because of the consistent quality of the food in the quaint and beautiful space. Also, shoutout to my homie Nitty for his fan-f#cking-tastic photos that adorn the entire space! Food Porn is legit!
Ok back to the topic at hand...the soup! Chris said it offered comfort to him as most soups often do and it wasn't too heavy or rich for one person. The seasoning was wonderful and the pieces of crostini accompanying the dish were toasted perfectly.
I myself could not compare any experience to this moment so I was happy to feel a new sense of culture. The owners of Monzu, Aldo and Serena, greeted us with open arms and I could see their passion for the food they made each day. Serena explained that the soup is simple because it was what children often ate in Italy before they explored the other types of food. They called their food “pappa” translated to baby food essentially. This type of dish is what makes cooking so amazing to me. Something so simple yet so delicious. Nothing over the top and nothing so filling that a nap would be involuntarily induced. Every layer of flavor was pronounced, well seasoned and each bite was brighter than the one before. I feel as though this soup would also only get better with time as it sits and the flavors meld together even more each day. Although I'm not sure something so good would last more than a few hours! Did my glass of wine help wash it down and add even more happiness to this moment? Yes. Will I be back for more when they offer it on their menu again? Absolutely. Thank you Chris, Aldo and Serena for a wonderful meal but more so for allowing me a new and inviting family experience.
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