It was a beautiful evening for a walk - an early fall bite was in the air, but it was still warm enough to sit outside. About half an hour away is Harvard Square and all the conveniences necessary for an outdoor snack, and what better than the famous Au Bon Pain, where characters played by Matt Damon and Minnie Driver enjoyed a meal together in Good Will Hunting.

Au Bon Pain, of course, has soup! With their extensive, varied menu, it's always difficult to choose. My friend joined me for my spontaneous soup outing and his taste leaned towards the basic chicken noodle - filled with chunks of chicken, noodles, and vegetable goodness.

All my friends are well aware of my love for all things pumpkin and, this being pumpkin season, I was in search of something pumpkin. Au Bon Pain has their own version of the Pumpkin Harvest Soup, which was mine for the asking!

This soup is a 100% vegetarian - no extra animal products for those with concerns. Starting with a nice smooth puree, julienned carrots and onions were added for a bit of texture. It was flavorful, aromatic - love that pumpkin aroma! - and, at under $4 a serving, a perfect and affordable early evening snack that filled my pumpkin fix nicely.