More cold weather- MORE SOUP!

Highly Recommended **** January is “BRRRRR time” . This year, even more so than others. Last week, we did a story on the homemade soups, farm to table, at Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook. Today, I returned to my adult “roots” where my good friend, Pete Panayiotou and his Continental Restaurant in Buffalo Grove has been dishing out soup for over 25 years. I lived in Buffalo Grove, for many years, raising my kids and The Continental was sort of my “hangout”. I stopped by every morning and was one of the “counter creatures”, who regularly visits a restaurant. I suppose, like the characters on “Cheers”, this was a place where everyone knew who everyone was and when a regular did not show up, there was concern that maybe “something happened”.

The Continental is larger now than when Pete first opened and has added a banquet  Hall as well as a great catering menu. But, as I think about some of what made this place so special, I must say that it would have to be the soups. They do soup right. When Pete heard about last week’s article on soup, he said, he wanted my audience to learn about his as well. I was so used to having my Matzah Ball soup there, that I forgot to tell you, so here we go- let me tell you Pete’s Story!

Peter is Greek! I am sure that was easy to figure out based on his name. After he settled in t his new restaurant in Buffalo Grove, he realized that he had a huge Jewish population and opted to adjust his menu accordingly. He did so with style and class, making arrangements to learn all of the traditional holiday meals. Over the years, with help from his regulars, he has mastered the art of Jewish Holiday foods. I remember the Daily Herald doing a front page article ( in the Neighbor Section) about his. The headline was “A Matzo Ball Secret” and it told the story of his learning all of the traditions and mastering his soup. His Matzo Ball soup is as good as any Deli, anywhere ( and I have had Matzo Ball soup in hundreds of establishments).

But Pete did not stop with Matzo Ball, a soup that along with  Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup ( my favorite) and Chicken noodles as well, served everyday. He also has daily soup specials:

Monday- Lentil or Northern Bean and a creamed soup ( depending on the season)

Tuesday- Mushroom Barley and Cream of Broccoli

Wednesday – Greek Egg Lemon and Vegetable

Thursday- Split Pea and Tomato ( very thick and rich)

Friday- White Clam Chowder and Cream of Spinach with rice

Saturday- Minestrone and cream of spinach with rice

Sundays- Cream of Chicken Rice and Mushroom Barley

Please note that the bowls used are ours, as we took the soups home and plated them there. 

During the winter months, you can also find days with French Obion and Chili ( to die for).

The Continental Restaurant has won awards for their soup and tonight, I brought home two ( along with fresh rolls, crackers and butter) Matzo Ball soup and Sweet and Sour Cabbage. Jane and I were once again in “heaven” .

Heaven can be your as well. The Continental is located at 788 S. Buffalo Grove Road (BG Road at Dundee Road) in Buffalo Grove.

You can go online, place your order and pick it up by either calling 847-459-4095 or visiting www.continental-restaurant.net/

They are open from 8 a.m.- 9 p.m. seven days a week.