Gallbladders and Chicken Noodle Soup

You know when you've been sick to your stomach and somewhere along the way a specific food (usually a very specific) food enters your mind? You think that it's the ONLY food that sounds appealing; the only food that will not reproduce what has been happening with your GI tract for the past several hours.

There have been times after recovering from nausea that I was convinced fried rice, Almond Joys or Wheat Thins (not necessarily that combination) were acceptable. One time I even drove to Arbys at 9:30 Sunday morning to buy The Boy "curly fries" because after being tormented with 12 hours of vomiting , this was what he requested.

So yeah, I am a firm believer of satisfying cravings - particularly if you've just been confined to the bathroom floor.

So there was no question when Nate was recovering from gallbladder surgery and was given clearance to eat something other than ice chips that I would do everything in my power to produce the yearned for dish. This time it happened to be Chicken Noodle Soup - a fairly straight forward request wouldn't you agree? Knowing that I didn't have time to produce a homemade variety, I opted for a satisfying bowl of the steaming stuff from a local deli. I drove to that deli - and then 6 other ones in town. I even created in my mind a suitable alternative when "Chicken Fiesta Soup" was my closest option...meh. I was convinced egg drop soup was my answer. Thinking I had successfully turned my stumbling block into a stepping stone, I proceeded to order a large bowl of the stuff from a trusted favorite Chinese restaurant only to be told "Oh, we only make soup during cold month - high schooler not order soup now." Whatever.

If you are a deli/delicatessen/sandwich shop/lunchtime eating establishment, aren't you obligated to serve chicken noodle soup? Really, it's a fundamental menu item. Sure you are welcome to also offer clam chowder and minestrone options but know that you are duty-bound to provide the classic staple. It's as basic as salt and pepper, wheat or white bread or mayo vs. Miracle Whip.