The Soup Off at the Soup's Ons
One reason I love this blog is that there are some really interesting disagreements and well-argued positions -- unless we're discussing foie gras or Sarah Palin, of course. I'm thinking of covering my ears and going, "Nyah, nyah, nyah, I can't hear you," to both sides until the election is over.
Anyway, I'm worried you might miss the discussion going on about the two Soup's Ons because it started under a 15-month-old post and the first few words of the most recent comment under Most Recent Comments look kind of dull. ...
My massage therapist (don't you love the sound of that, "my massage therapist," like I go once a week?) told me that the Soup's On in Hampden reopened after being closed all summer. I wanted to include the reopening in my Table Talk column, but the phone has been out of order since I started calling. I finally stopped by, got the info on the hours I needed, and also noticed it didn't seem to be connected with Rose's Cookies any longer.
It was coincidence that in the same week Richard reviewed the other Soup's On, once with a location in Perry Hall but now in Mount Vernon only. (We should have a Friday Morning Quarterbacking for the restaurants Richard reviews. Good idea, Chowsearch.)
I tend to think less harshly of the owners of the Soup's On on Preston Street than Chowsearch does, although I have no idea of the truth of the matter. I talked to one of them when Soup's On first opened in Perry Hall, and as I remember, the soup place they had in California had the same name. At the time the Hampden cafe was calling itself Soup's On at Rose's Cookies.
One thing I'm sure of. Both these places, particularly when one was located in Perry Hall, were neighborhood spots. Neither was taking customers from the other. Now that they are both in the city, it's more of an issue.
I wonder which one has the best soup? I wish we could have a Soup Off because there's certainly room for more than one place that turns out good soup, and both of these places have had excellent reviews. Has anyone out there tried both of them? I guess if not, that proves something in itself.
(Elizabeth Malby/Sun photographer)
Comments
Coincidentally the Soup Nazi episode of Seinfeld was on at 5:30 on TBS today. Did you ever see the Soup Nazi crossover on Scrubs where Tara Reid dates the Soup Nazi? Funny.
And we're back to talking about TV.
Posted by: Owl MullaGatawny | September 19, 2008 6:39 PM
I have eaten the one in Perry Hall. The owners are brothers and form my understanding when I talked to one they tend to share stuff and so forth because one had a bigger kitchen. Now I know the one in Perry Hall was looking at opening in Towson but that feel through I guess. The main reason they moved was the guy whom they rented from was raising the rent to a very astonishing amount. I miss the one in Perry Hall
Posted by: Jessica L. | September 19, 2008 8:49 PM
Soup is not a meal Jerry.
Posted by: Kenny Banya | September 20, 2008 10:40 AM
Oh Kenny Banya, of COURSE soup is a meal! Sometimes there's nothing more satisfying than a big bowl of minestrone or hearty split pea or navy bean soup. Mmmmmmm, soup!
Posted by: Dottie | September 20, 2008 9:39 PM
I too will testify to the Perry Hall Soup's On. I used to talk stock with one of the brothers, and he turned me on to Restaurant Depot near BWI as a source for veal bones. (Non-profits take notice!)
I stopped by shortly after they closed, and the gist of the sign was that they had to give up the space because of the rent increase. Another (yawn) pizza joint has a sign up and a notice that it will be open soon.
MEANWHILE ... on an entirely different subject, my fall travel season starts early this year. Starting Monday I will have five days in downtown-next-to-the-arch St. Louis (business), then two days poking around the Amana Colonies in East Central Iowa ("continuing education") and then three days in Omaha (more business). Any restaurant suggestions from fellow members of the traveling class??
(And say, EL ... you got any way for us to share our own reviews with each other, maybe on a sidebar site? Though you are obviously the fearless leader of this sandbox, I'd love to hear individual takes from other denizens. My biggest problem with Zagat, say, is the fact that I can't engage in conversation with their reviewers the way we engage here. I'd take any recommendation from any of the regular sandlings without hesitation -- even OMG [though I'd put my BC/BS card in my shirt pocket for easy access]).
Posted by: MD Canon | September 20, 2008 10:13 PM
Dottie, this seems to "reminisce about Germany weekend," but when I was there, several restaurants in the northern part of what was West Germany would have "Erbsensuppe mit Einlage" on the menu. This was pea soup with "additions" (Einlage in German). Diced wurst, vegetables, potatoes, etc. Made a version for my family after we returned. It truly was a Pea Soup Stew and definately a meal.
Posted by: Retired in Elkridge | September 21, 2008 11:05 AM
In St. Louis, there is a revolving restaurant at the top of the hotel with the round part...it's across the street from the their stadium. Very nice. Had a live piano player when I was there 5 or 6 years ago. Definetely no small children. Food on the riverboat, so-so. (Be sure to get up in the Arch and visit the museum at the bottom of the arch.)
Posted by: Eve | September 21, 2008 3:59 PM
Dottie, what about a consomme?
Posted by: Kenny Banya | September 21, 2008 6:41 PM
RiE, that Erbenbsuppe sounds like a FABulous meal, especially with a good hunk a' bread.
Welp, Kenny, methinks consomme is kinda light for a meal, but it does make a nice first course.
Posted by: Dottie | September 21, 2008 8:09 PM
Dottie, consomme IS a bit light for a meal, but plop a nice large matzoh ball in the middle of it and it will stay in your stomach for days.
Posted by: Retired in Elkridge | September 22, 2008 10:48 AM