Deal of the Day - Chunky Beef With Vegetables by Riviera

San Franciscans like to trash-talk Los Angeles. Well, this chef has a beef with San Francisco -- specifically, an "Authentic San Francisco Soup" made by Riviera called Chunky Beef With Vegetables. Actually, my beef is with the lack of beef in this anemic soup.

In my latest Deal of the Day, I was looking forward to trying this seemingly hearty soup from my local 99c only Store. From the look of the can cover you would think this a meaty package. Well, just check out the photo below -- see, the average slice of "chunky" beef is as small as a grain of rice!

Now, I'm not so naive as to trust a package photo advertisement, but this is ridiculous. "Since there is no there, there," to quote Gertrude Stein, I can't judge the beef part of this soup. Could it be that this one tin can was lacking? I don't have the money to waste trying to find out.

The tomato broth is fine with an intense beefy flavor, and the soup has a thick consistency. The veggies are indeed chunky, although on the small side. And, as is the case of canned vegetables, they're on the soft, overcooked, side. I did like the equal mix of potato, carrot, celery and green peas.

San Francisco, your culinary reputation is tarnished with this namesake soup. On a scale of 1 to 9, 9 being best, I give Riviera's "Chunky Beef With Vegetables, Authentic San Francisco Soup" a 3 -- any earned points are for the veggies.

If you want something authentically San Franciscan, stick with a slice of Sourdough Bread and a Crab Louis!