There's nothing better then a good cup of Zoup

Growing up in Lorain, one of my most fond memories was Sunday afternoons at my grandparents' house and the smell of my grandfather’s soup cooking on the stove. 

That’s where my enjoyment of soup began and one of the best places in town to find it is at Zoup.

Franchise owners and Westlake residents Colleen and Marty Hopkins brought Zoup to the Promenade in April 2011. Having been an accountant, Colleen knew what it took to run a business but there was always something else she wanted to do.

Dining out one day she was inspired by the thought of a restaurant specializing in soups. As the search went on, a friend mentioned a restaurant in the style she wanted and the rest is history.

As you enter the restaurant, a mix of booths and tables, you are overcome by the aroma of soup. Approaching the counter, the menu board lists the 12 soups that you have to choose from, which change daily. If you’re wondering how you can choose, that’s quickly answered. The staff offers samples to make your decision even more difficult.

Soups are offered in eight, 12, 16 and 32 ounces, ranging in price from $3.95-$12.25. Sourdough ciabatta, multigrain or French breads are your choices that are included with your soup.

The Chicken Pot Pie soup is a standard on the menu. It has mixed vegetables, wonderful creaminess and a homemade pie crust.

The Overstuffed Bell Pepper soup is filled with tender beef, green and red bell peppers, garlic, oregano, basil and rice. Very hearty and extremely tasty.

I can never pass up Lobster Bisque. It’s creamy and buttery, with chunks of lobster and a delightful finish of sherry. Heavenly!

Collard Green Chicken Barley soup is an explosion of flavors in your mouth. Greens, chicken, bacon, carrots, celery, onions and barley, when it’s on the board order it.

For something different you may want to order your soup in a sourdough bread boule, I do.

Keep in mind that Zoup is more than just soup, they also have SandwichZ and GreenZ. 

Sink your teeth into a Southwest Turkey Sandwich ($4.25 half/$6.35 whole). Toasted ciabatta bread with sliced turkey, tomato, chipotle mayo and pepper jack cheese to give it a little zing.

For the cheese lovers, Zoup offers the Four-Cheese Melt ($4.25 half/$6.35 whole), a beautiful blend of pepper jack, smoked Gouda, Muenster and Cheddar on toasted ciabatta.

Get your greens with the Asian Salad ($4.25 half/$6.35 whole). Grilled chicken strips, chow mein and Asian noodles, sliced almonds, scallions and sesame seeds with a sesame seed dressing is very tasty.

Other options are: Build Your Own Salad, a Try Two! Combo and The Double, which features two eight-ounce sides of soup and a hunk of bread.

They also have a selection of gluten-free soups and salad dressings.

I can’t say enough about friendly, upbeat and professional staff that Zoup has to wait on you. It’s refreshing to see people who really enjoy their work.

If you’re pressed for time they have online ordering and catering available.

Sometimes there’s nothing better than a good bowl of soup and Zoup serves that up and a lot more.

Rating: four stars out of four.

Zoup, 30187 Detroit Rd., Westlake; 440-892-9687; http://Zoup.com

Steve Novak

Steve Novak is a Westlake resident and 30-year veteran in the restaurant industry, working at all levels from dishwasher to manager to chef/owner. The Observer makes two anonymous visits per restaurant and does not accept complimentary meals.

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Volume 4, Issue 9, Posted 10:21 AM, 05.01.2012