Is "The Soup Master" Actually Justy?

Soup week is always stressful. Luckily for me, Justy was ready to step in (again) with a delicious CaribBEAN black bean soup. In an effort to distance the Soup Club from the SSC, also known as the Spicy Soup Club, she created something that was a little eccentric and a lot impressive. She paired black beans with island flavors and topped it with a fresh cashew cream that even Jeff loved (he does not do white sauces).

Not realizing the beans needed to soak as long as they did, she kept her composure and put the final touches in the crock pot just after 10 PM. When I woke up the next morning, the whole house smelled like Trinidad and Tobago. As I packed the car, trying not to spill a drop of this masterpiece, I actually thought to myself, “Is that a hint of clove I am enjoying?” This was a soup that felt destined for a score over 9. I could feel it.

The long drive into work was stressful. Soup transport is a common topic during our Tuesday meetings. I wish I lived close enough to drive home at lunch, and then show up like Adam. He is our newest member and within two weeks is already asking why he waited so long to join. The man is hooked.

Kevin, however, was too focused on his 8 PM flight to score accurately. He even said he liked the celery soup more, which completely boggles my mind. Conlan promised he would show, but he was on PTO (rhymes on purpose), giving lip service (ahh-nother rhyme!).

Mike, the marketing guy and my neighbor now, brought in pumpkin pie and announced, as a self-proclaimed black bean expert, that “this soup slaps.” I am not sure which gesture I liked more. Tam historically brings enough soup sides making sure everyone gets more than one serving and sometimes even enough for the office. Justy, on the other hand, sent in individually portioned bags of cornbread, each one perfect. Another straight 10. She needs some of that magic for herself, and she deserves it.

Here is how the scoring went.

• Jeff came in hot on his second spoonful with a hard 8.5, then he dropped the cornbread into the soup with a splash of hot sauce and immediately bumped it to a 9.0, then a 9.1. The man loves beans.

• Newby Adam was too excited to wait for everyone else and pulled a Tam with an 8.75. He really hit that hundredth note.

• Tam, being Tam, came in with the high score of the day at 9.4. Soup erb.

• Kevin gave it an 8.2 and again said the celery soup was better. Dude. Please.

• Marketing Mike, still figuring out his role in all of this, upped Kevin by a whopping zero point zero five with an 8.25. Thanks neighbor.

• Conlan, Conlan? No call no show – maybe working on sponsors with Noah?

The final tally came out to 8.74. Way to go Justy! She may not love the pressure that comes with Soup Day, but she is going to sleep great tonight knowing she knocked the cover off the ball. Maybe one day she’ll join us!