Quite Possibly the Best Bowl of Soup in Town

I really enjoy being surprised by how good a restaurant is. Sadly, it doesn't happen all that often. But it happened to me today!

It was cloudy and rainy much of this day and D and I were in search of a good bowl of homemade soup. I've tried the soups at various restaurants around town and honestly, I've mostly been disappointed. I'm not a big fan of reconstituted soups and that seems to be what most restaurants are serving these days. I especially appreciate a good bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. But where can you get one?

It's important to know where to go for a good bowl of chicken noodle soup, you know what I mean? Like when you feel like you're coming down with a cold or the flu or when you've been out in the damp cold for too long and you've got a chill you just can't shake. There's nothing like a good bowl of chicken noodle soup to warm you up from the inside out. A real bonus is when that soup is served with a smile.

I found a great bowl of chicken noodle soup today and it was served not only with a smile but with a handshake too.

This soup has tender chunks of chicken, orzo noodles, diced carrots, thinly sliced celery, and bits of zucchini and summer squash in it. It is absolutely delightful! There was just the right balance of flavors and ingredients for the soup to have depth to it without it becoming a vegetable soup. And best of all, it's not too salty. It's served with a basket of crackers and bread rolls for the bargain price of $2.65. I wasn't looking for a great food value but I found one. But a great food value is worthless if the food isn't tasty and nutritious. This soup was both tasty and nutritious!

We discovered this soup at Augustino's, a family style restaurant on Red Arrow Highway just south of Glenlord Rd. in Stevensville. The soup is made fresh and there are a couple different soups offered each day. I'm told the chicken noodle soup is available most days. D also got a BLT sandwich with his soup and he was happy with his sandwich as well.

Mary has to be the friendliest waitress I've met in a long time. She not only served us with a smile but a handshake too. She introduced herself to us and in a matter of few minutes we felt like old friends. She's a great ambassador for Augustino's restaurant!

Augustino is the name of the gentleman in back who is the owner and chef. He does a great job. There are a lot of offerings on the menu including breakfast items which are served all day.

Oh and did I mention there is free WIFI access at Augustino's? :-)

No, this isn't the wrong picture. Augustino just hasn't gotten a new sign up yet. This place used to be Nick's Family Restaurant but it is Augustino's Restaurant now. The address is 4132 Red Arrow Hwy and the phone number is (269) 408-0500. They are open 6am-4pm Monday through Friday and 7am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday.

Concours on the Bluff

Each year, the Krasl Art Center hosts the Concours on the Bluff as one of it's fundraisers. The event is held in mid August and it draws quite a crowd. Any and all car enthusiasts will enjoy this event. There are automobiles on display from every decade.

It cost $5/person or $10/family to get in to the Concours event which is held at Lake Bluff Park across the street from the Krasl.

There are all sorts of cars on display. Whatever your interest, there are bound to be vehicles to suit you.

It's fun to compare the cars from one decade to another.

From the beginning...

... to this current 2011 model Chevy Volt. This show had it all!

From the elegant...

... to the more casual ride.

There were some pretty unusual vehicles...

...for every taste and budget.

And there were lots of old favorites, like this one. My dad had one just like this except in white. Boy did seeing this bring back memories!

And then there was this baby... I wish I had memories of this Camero!

Several times throughout the day they had a "pass in review" where the cars were driven down Lake Street pausing in front of an announcer's tent. Stories were told of how the cars were restored, what condition they were once in, and items of interest about each specific model. There were risers set up for those who were lucky enough to grab a seat (hint: when the announcer tells you the review will be starting in a few minutes, run for the stands!).

This is a really fun and entertaining way to support the Krasl Art Center. I hope to see you there next year! (I'll be the one with the camera in my hands ;-)