Posts from November 2021

Whether you're sick, chilly, or just feeling down, there's nothing like chicken noodle soup to get you feeling like yourself again. It's a specialty of moms and grandmas everywhere, and no other version will ever quite measure up to the one that was always served to you as a child. 

If your family's cooking is not an option right now, though, there are plenty of places to get a comforting cup of soup in Northeast Ohio. With National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day coming up on November 12th, now is the perfect time to check one or two of the popular soup spots listed below.

Pallotta's Pastries and Gift

2120 Byrd Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223

Pallotta's Pastries might not sound like a place where soup would be served, but this establishment is much more than just a bakery. They also sell a variety of fresh-cooked meals, including sandwiches, pastas, and omelets. Their excellent chicken soup is a local favorite and is available all week in addition to a rotating soup of the day.

If you have a sweet tooth, they also sell an assortment of baked goods, including breads, muffins, cookies, and cakes. All their food is homemade and as gorgeous to look at as it is delicious to eat.

Plain and Simple Diner

4774 US-62, Berlin, OH 44610

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Berlin's Plain and Simple Diner lives up to its name in the best possible way. Run by a pair of home cooks who had a reputation for delicious barbecue in their community, this restaurant uses nothing but fresh ingredients in all of their dishes. 

This diner serves hot dogs, hamburgers, wraps, fried fish, chicken wings, and all kinds of other comfort foods – including, of course, chicken noodle soup. It's available in a bowl or a cup and tastes very similar to the home-cooked recipes you remember from childhood.

Primo's Deli

1707 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, OH 44320

Primo's Deli has been named Akron's #1 Deli by the Akron Beacon Journal three times in its 35-year history, so you know they're worth a visit! Many locals love coming here for hot dogs, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and beer. 

Their chicken soup is especially well-loved, featuring a rich broth, savory chunks of chicken, and distinctive shell noodles. It's only available on an occasional basis as part of their soup of the day specials, though, so be sure to call and ask when it will be available next before you head out to give this place a try.

Hello Bistro

3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333

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Located inside Fairlawn's Summit Mall, Hello Bistro has become a popular dining and takeout spot in their local community. You can get their delectable chicken noodle soup by the cup or the quart, depending on your needs. Still hungry? They also serve fresh-cut French fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, salad bowls, and more.

The nice thing about this place is that there are many healthy options to pair with your soup, allowing you to round out your meal with some extra nutrition. There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options if you are dining with others with specific dietary needs.

PLX Deli

5187 Manchester Rd., New Franklin, OH 44319

A favorite lunch destination for New Franklin residents, PLX Deli serves soups, salads, sandwiches, and everything else you need for a hearty midday meal. Their homemade chicken soup is available every Saturday and Sunday and is one of their most popular menu items among regulars.

If you need a little more to fill you up, the shop also serves a selection of signature entrees like Country Fried Steak and Bourbon Chicken. These dishes stick to the deli's general comfort food angle while also giving you something a bit more substantial to chew on.

The SouperMarket

7501 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103

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The aptly named SouperMarket is a specialty restaurant that serves nothing but – you guessed it – soup. Their Pulled Chicken Noodle soup is one of their staple offerings and is available all week long. All of their soups are served with a sizable chunk of bread and butter. If you're still hungry, you can round out your meal with a grilled cheese sandwich or a box of chicken wings fried in duck fat. 

The shop also offers chicken stock by the quart or gallon, which can serve as a delicious savory base for your own soups at home. Neither the stock nor the soup contain any additives or preservatives. Both are also low in sodium, making them great options for people following a heart-healthy diet. 

Joe's Deli and Restaurant

11750 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107

Joe's Deli and Restaurant is one of many establishments run by the Abdallahs, a Lebanese family who immigrated to America in the 1950s and 60s. This shop serves a variety of specialty sandwiches alongside traditional Lebanese dishes, including dawali, kibbee, and baba ganooj. 

Their esteemed chicken soup can be purchased in cups, bowls, or to-go quart containers. All of their soups are only available as part of a rotating selection, but no single type of soup is ever unavailable for more than a few days. If the chicken soup isn't on the menu when you first visit, come back a little later — it's worth it!

Local West

7402 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102

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Local West describes themselves as a craft sandwich and beer bistro, but like any great sandwich shop, they also offer a selection of soups on the side. Their chicken soup is just one of the many soup varieties that they cycle through daily.

Their dishes are made with local meats and cheeses for maximum freshness and a uniquely Midwestern flavor. Stop by for lunch today and see what keeps people coming back again and again!

Soup to Warm You Up Inside and Out

We all know chicken soup doesn't really cure colds or stop the sniffles, but it still has an undeniable healing power all its own. What's your best chicken soup story? 

Thanksgiving dinner doesn't feel complete without several pies, but making them yourself can be time-consuming as well as difficult. Why not leave the task up to the experts and order pies in various flavors that will impress your holiday guests?

Start planning your menu now and check out these great places to order Thanksgiving pies from in Northeast Ohio.

Norcia Bakery

624 Belden Ave NE, Canton, OH 44704

Norcia Bakery has a long history of success and was founded in 1918 by the Norcia family, who immigrated from Italy. The bakery offers fresh-baked bread and pastries, including a variety of pies at affordable prices, so it's a great place to order several different flavors to end your Thanksgiving dinner on a sweet note. While you're there, pick up some of the bread, an authentic Italian split-top loaf made using the original bread recipe that John Norcia brought from Italy.

Rood Food + Pie

17001 Madison Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107

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If you've had a slice of pie with your meal at Rood Food + Pie or have visited the restaurant's pie bar, you'll want to make one of their unique creations part of your holiday menu. For a more sophisticated take on the classic banana cream pie, try their version that's made with bananas in spiked vanilla pudding with brandy-soaked vanilla wafers and topped with fresh whipped cream and a brandy caramel drizzle. Or impress your guests with the Amaretto Custard, which in addition to its rich custard, has a vanilla almond butter crust, whipped cream, toasted almonds, and smoked sea salt.

Tiffany's Bakery

620 Ridgewood Crossing Dr., Akron, OH 44333

Serving up pies, cakes, and pastries like cannoli and doughnuts for over 40 years, Tiffany's Bakery will have you drooling over their large menu of tasty sweets. Pie choices include traditional favorites like apple and cherry as well as cream pies. The shop takes pride in making sure pies look as good as they taste, and it's received several local Best Bakery honors as proof of its success.

The Sweet Fix Bakery

2307 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

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This cozy Cleveland Heights bakery got its start as Craig's Divine Desserts, a licensed, home-based bakery that was successful enough to expand. All of its baked goods are prepared on-site, including cakes, cookies, and pies by the slice or whole pies. Order a traditional favorite like a sweet potato or key lime pie, and add in pineapple supreme and decadent Oreo pies.

Gray House Pies

26075 Detroit Rd., Westlake, OH 44145

You're sure to find lots to order at Gray House Pies, which serves a large variety of pies including, fruit, cream, specialty, and savory pies. All are homemade, including the butter crusts, and when milk and eggs are used, they're organic and free-range, respectively. You won't find any fillers, preservatives, or canned fruit used, either. Try a Four Berry Buzzed Friends pie made with four types of berries as well as brandy and honey, a pumpkin pecan crumble pie, or a crapple (cranberry/apple). Or, if you'd prefer a savory pie to serve alongside your turkey, order a mac n cheese (plain or with bacon) or loaded potato, each made with a flaky pastry crust.

Bakers Square Restaurant & Pies

7011 W. 130th St., Parma Heights, OH 44130 

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Many people like to enjoy a meal at Bakers Square Restaurant & Pies, and the highlight is often a slice of pie for dessert. Many of the restaurant's pies have won multiple awards, so they've proven to be deliciously popular. You can order whole pies to take home for Thanksgiving, including the triple berry, which is bursting with the fruity flavor of raspberries, blueberries, and boysenberries. You'll also find favorites like pecan, cherry, and apple (which also comes in a reduced sugar option) on the menu, as well as the most popular option — a French silk pie with smooth chocolate silk covered with real whipped cream and milk chocolate curls inside the pastry crust.

Nancy's Main Street Diner

426 Main St., Grafton, OH 44044

Nancy's Main Street Diner has become well known locally for its cakes and pies, most of which can be made in sugar-free varieties and full-sugar versions. The diner serves cream, fruit, and Dutch fruit pies, including raspberry and coconut cream options. For full-on, belt-loosening decadence, go for the Elvis Pie, which has a peanut butter crumble crust and layers of fresh banana slices, peanut buttercream, banana cream, homemade peanut butter sauce, whipped cream, and vanilla wafers.

The West Side Bakery

2303 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44313  

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The West Side Bakery has garnered a loyal following since its opening in 1995. It's been honored for 13 years by Akron Life Magazine as the Best Local Bakery and also earned the award for Akron's Best Bakery from the readers of the Akron Beacon Journal. Choose from pies like pecan and pumpkin, as well as bumbleberry, buckeye, hot fudge, peach raspberry, and more. They look just as good as they taste, so they'll make a beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving table.

Autumn Skies and Delicious Pies

What's your favorite type of pie to find on the Thanksgiving table?

November is Aviation History Month. It's a great chance to reflect on the history of air travel and all those who have made aviation what it is today. From Wilbur and Orville Wright to Amelia Earhart, so many notable people have shaped the industry. You can celebrate by reading more about these aviation pioneers and also by visiting aviation museums. There just so happen to be some great ones across the state of Ohio.

Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum

10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106

Operated by the Western Reserve Historical Society, the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum showcases both automobiles and aircraft. One of the most notable displays is the 1910 Curtiss Model E "Bumble Bee," a small prop plane. The museum also houses a 1930 Howard DGA-3 named "Pete," which won five out of seven races in the National Air Races in Chicago.

This museum is open Thursday - Sunday, and admission is $15 for adults. Discounts are available for students and veterans, and active military members receive free admission. 

MAPS Air Museum

2260 International Parkway, North Canton, OH 44720

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The MAPS Air Museum is a great place to learn about the history of military aviation. Inside, you'll get to see an assortment of military aircraft from various periods in history. See a Martin Glider from the early 1900s, a BT-13A from World War II, and so much more. There are also displays honoring fallen soldiers and Medal of Honor recipients.

This museum is open Tuesday - Saturday. Admission is $10 for adults and free for active service members and World War II veterans. A guided tour takes about 2 hours, but most people spend 3 - 4 hours inside the museum.

International Women's Air & Space Museum

1501 N. Marginal Rd. Ste. 165, Cleveland, OH 44114

Countless women have played essential roles in advancing the aviation industry, and this museum in Northeast Ohio honors them. Admission is free, and guided tours are available for a small donation. The museum is located inside Burke Lakefront Airport, and the exhibits are accessible daily from 8 am - 8 pm.

Some of the displays at the International Women's Air & Space Museum include the jacket of former NASA astronaut Pam Melroy and a model of Beguine, a plane flown by Jackie Cochran. There are also displays honoring Amelia Earhart, Ruth Nichols, and Bessie Quimby.

Motts Military Museum

5075 S. Hamilton Rd, Groveport, OH 43125

Motts Military Museum is a great place to stop if you're near Columbus. Their mission is to preserve the past of the American military through documentation and collection of artifacts. While not strictly an aviation museum, they do have a lot of aircraft-related displays. There's an exhibit on the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American pilots from the 1940s. There's also an entire display on the history of NASA.

This museum is open Tuesday - Sunday. Admission is $10 per adult and $5 for children ages 5 and up.

Champaign Aviation Museum

1652 N. Main St., Urbana, OH 43078

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A group of volunteers opened the Champaign Aviation Museum in 2005. Today, it houses eight vintage aircraft, most of which have been restored by the members. They have a B-25 Mitchell, known as "Champaign Gal," and a C-1A (TF-1) affectionately called "Mudflap Girl" — among others. 

This museum is housed on the property of Grimes Field. They're open Tuesday - Saturday, and admission is free, although donations are appreciated. You can also take a virtual tour of the museum on their website.

Historical Aircraft Squadron

3430 Old Columbus Rd. NW, Carroll, OH 43112

The Historical Aircraft Squadron is a museum within Hanger B at the Fairfield County Airport. It's open Wednesdays and Sundays from 9 am - 4 pm and is staffed by volunteer members. Admission and tours are free.

Inside this museum, you'll see vintage pilot's uniforms, older aircraft, and historic military equipment. There's also an extensive collection of books and DVDs that you can explore in the reading room.

Cincinnati Aviation Heritage Society Museum

262 Wilmer Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226

Located in Lunken Field of the Cincinnati Municipal Airport, this museum houses a collection of scale model airplanes, including a 1939 Stinson SR-10C and a replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer. They also have a Smith Termite and a Burt Rutan. In addition to aircraft, they have a wide array of books and magazines on aviation-related topics. 

The Cincinnati Aviation Heritage Society Museum is a small and friendly one and a great place to dip your toes into aviation for Aviation Month. 

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

1100 Spaatz St., Dayton, OH 45431

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There's no doubt that the U.S. Air Force has played a vital role in developing the aviation industry over the years. That's why visiting the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is a great way to celebrate Aviation History Month. The museum offers free admission and parking, and it's open seven days a week from 9 am - 5 pm.

Inside the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, you'll see more than 350 different aerospace vehicles. You'll also get to see missiles and other weapons used by the Air Force over the years. The World War II gallery houses aircraft that were used both in the Pacific and in Europe. You'll see a Douglas A-24, a Consolidated B24D Liberator, and so many more. Also on display is a demilitarized Little Boy, an atomic weapon originally constructed in 1945.

Tri-State Warbird Museum

4021 Borman Dr., Batavia, OH 45103

The Tri-State Warbird Museum is a 22,000 square foot facility that includes an aircraft restoration area, various exhibits of aviation-related artifacts, and two large hangars where aircraft are displayed. There's also an extensive library of magazines, books, and other references related to flight.

This museum is truly a must-see if you're in the Cincinnati area. They've been recognized as one of the most admired aviation museums. You can visit Wednesday or Saturday, and admission ranges from $7 - $12 per person.

Celebrate Flight

Air travel has truly transformed the world, and that's well worth celebrating. Which one of these aviation museums do you plan on gliding into for Aviation History Month?