Avgolemono

Wow.

I hesitated in ordering the cup.

Starving, I thought it would be necessary too, to split a falafel pita with Soup Lady 2, too.  It was absolutely a mistake.  All you need is the soup and after trying it, all you'll want is the soup (and the included delectable slice of chewy homemade bread: this soup's perfect mate).

The Avgolemono, or chicken lemon, soup at the Greek Deli on 19th Street just between L and M, stands alone so fine as a midday meal that this blog might end today because no longer am I searching for  the best.

A traditional Greek soup made well by expertly mixing eggs and lemon juice to broth until it thickens but before it boils, this was my first introduction.  Theirs is a creamy broth full of carrots, celery, onions, orzo and best of all, chicken.  Perfectly broiled, then shredded into large chunks (for lack of a more accurate and better-sounding word), the chicken retains its moisture and there's a pleasant quality to every bite.  The lemon adds a tangy twist; a freshness not often acquainted with such fast fare and therefore not soon forgotten.

If you are one of those unfortunate few who have yet to brave the lunchtime line out the door at the Deli, don't be a fool.  Go wait.  There's a reason for the  line: Avgolemono.

Location: 1120 19th Street, NW

Price: $3.25/ 16 oz. cup + large slice of white bread

Tomato Basil

Just the way it should be.

It comes to the table in a huge, shallow bowl.

A rich cardinal hue, heaping stewed tomatoes on the surface brim with chopped, fresh basil that teases the soft, juicy flesh in a delicate, thin broth teeming with a hint of black pepper, salt. The simplicity allows the basil to breathe.  A crisped garlic-parmesan crouton completes the presentation, and upon admiration of the attention to detail, crumbles at the touch--compelling the first bite: a smooth, soothing comfort.

It's easy to get lost in this soup, hovering over the mass with a generously designed spoon: enough scoop for large swoops of soup.

I must here divulge that the day after discovering this tomato basil soup, I heard back from the doctor that I had strep throat.  Perhaps the soup's sheer ability to coat the scorching and on a cold, rainy day too, made it that much better.  But I am still convinced that no better tomato basil soup exists; I implore you to bring me a finer show.

Location: Corner Bakery, 1828 L Street, NW

Price: $4.49/bowl, $3.49/cup