34961 Fri Mar 11 17:55:21 -0800 2005 1 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 158902 Soup Freaks (Pine near Battery) has a special clam chowder today that I would say is second in SF only to Swan Oyster Depot's. Big chunks of real clams, not gloppy (menu proclaims "no flour"), nice thyme-based (I think) seasoning. Fri Mar 11 17:55:21 -0800 2005 0 chowhoundX 1 159334 I went today for the clam chowder but they were out so I got the cream of broccoli soup. It was ok but rather bland. It also wasn't hot enough but this could be due in part to the fact that I took it back to my office. I also got a "Freakin' Healthy" salad. The menu describes this as "100% organic braised beets served, mild blue cheese and toasted walnuts." As my salad was being put in a bag, I didn't see any blue cheese. I asked if the salad had blue cheese. The server (waiter? I never know what word to use) mumbled something, opened the salad and put on blue cheese. I then asked if it had walnuts, same response. I don't really understand this although he was nice about it. The salad was missing 2/3 of its stated ingredients. The salad also contained greens, carrots, red cabbage, green beans and potatoes. All of these, except for the potatoes, are listed as being included in all the salads. It was tasty and a reasonable price ($4.95 for a half) for Financial District lunch prices. Fri Mar 18 17:21:02 -0800 2005 158902 0 debby