Good gluten-free soup at Good Karma Cafe in Philadelphia

I happened past the Good Karma Cafe while on a lunchtime walk yesterday. I hadn't planned to stop in, but I figured with a name like that, they might be hip to the gluten-free scene. My hunch was correct. They clearly labeled both of their daily soups gluten-free. I had the Tuscan White Bean and Spinach soup (soups like something I'd make!), which was just what I wanted: hot, flavorful and comforting, and on the mild side. I asked how they made their Chicken Pot Pie gluten-free. "It's a soup! No crust!" came the reply. Good answer!

I did ask if they take care to avoid cross contamination -- gluteny breads and baked goods abound -- and they assured me they did. I got a good feeling from the place, but the food prep area is quite small, so further investigation may be required. Happily, I did not suffer any gluten-related side-effects from eating there.

The restaurant itself is cute, maybe 10 tables indoors, 3 or 4 outside, (the day was warm and springlike, so I sat outside amongst the potted greenery) and counter seating in the window. Many of the indoor tables were occupied by people with laptops who looked like they'd been there awhile and had no intentions of moving. Maybe it was just a Veterans Day holiday thing. Or maybe they pay rent. Hopefully for the owner, they are buying enough to help him pay HIS rent. This is a great place and I'd love to see it succeed and be here for years to come.

Give this place a try.

www.thegoodkarmacafe.com
331 South 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA

Oh, and I see from the on-line menu that they also offer sandwiches on gluten-free bread. Bonus! (I didn't see a printed menu in the place, so I think they would benefit from making the gf bread option as visible as they do the gf soup status. Or maybe it was there and I just didn't see it?]