Philly Cheesesteak Soup: Local Favorite or Strange Pairing?

Red Rooster has been serving groceries and deli food in Glenview for six years. The family-owned business, owned and run by Mike and Melissa Hogan, has offered Philly Cheesesteak soup since the beginning. 

When I saw the item on the menu I thought it was an unusual find, but it might actually be a local favorite. 

Mike said customers admit the soup seems weird, but Melissa noted that it is constantly gaining popularity. 

"They can't believe how good it is," Melissa said. 

The cream-based soup's ingredients are standard enough — beef, carrot, peas, potato. Plus Cheddar and American cheese. 

The deli calls it an entrée soup. "This is the meal," Melissa said. She called it "comfort food-ish." Mike couldn't even think of something to pair it with, besides crackers.

It's based on a Boar's Head recipe — Red Rooster sells a wide variety of Boar's Head products, and the Hogans praise the food distributor's quality products. 

Twelve ounce containers cost $4.99, 16 ounce containers are $5.99.

Mike said his family has been in the deli and grocery business his entire life. Melissa's father sells hot dog casings. The couple lives in Glenview with their two kids. Mike was raised in Glenview and attended Glenbrook South. 

Mike talked about how welcoming and supportive the community has been to the grocery store, and Melissa said "we like to get out in the community." Recently, Red Rooster took part in the Our Lady of Perpetual Hope Holly Fair. 

Stay tuned for weekly looks at more interesting eats around the North Shore. And if you have any suggestions for where we should go next, leave a comment below.