Where to buy good matzo ball soup in Washington DC?

[gateway girl]

No time to make soup this year for the holidays. With many standbys closed (Krupins, Potomac Deli, Celebrity Deli), where can I buy soup for 10? Thank you

[Indy 67]

Try Balducci's version.

At this time of year, they sell it in both pre-filled quart containers and on-order in the service deli. I mention this since you can buy a small sample at the service deli immediately to do a taste test before you commit to your big purchase.

[wristband]

I hearily second the compliment for Balducci's. Both the broth and the matzoh balls are very good and I am quite picky about both. Not so crazy about their latkes but the soup is first rate.

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Balducci's
600 Franklin St, Alexandria, VA 22314

[Indy 67]

At the service counter, I specify the latkes that I want in my order -- always the thinnest ones -- and bake them long enough to crisp up in the oven. Then, I find Balducci's latkes to be acceptable. However, a big thumbs down for their kugel. The 1/2 inch crust of brown sugar overpowers any other flavors in the kugel; it's just unrelieved sugar sweet taste.

[wristband]

Yes, thumbs down on the kugel. Depressingly sweet. Now, the brisket is pretty good.

Funny enough, like various vintages of the same wine, the Balducci latkes vary in quality and taste year by year. This year, I felt their latkes were far too chubby and greasy in taste. Like chewing on an Ore-Ida frozen potato mash. However, last year's model floated gently upward to the ceiling much like a delicately made matzoh ball!

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Balducci's
600 Franklin St, Alexandria, VA 22314

[hill food]

but to be fair, IME latkes don't age or travel well.

[Indy 67]

I'm suspect the kitchens at the various Balducci stores see a rotating array of line cooks, probably few of whom have ever eaten a latke made by a competent Jewish grandmother.

My definition of a latke seems pretty close to yours: a thin disc with crisp edges and a center that seems almost melted in texture.

If you think Balducci's are thick and clunky, I recommend you take a look at Whole Food's versions. These could be pressed into service in the Olympics if the hockey events ever need a puck.

I think the brisket tastes pretty good, too, but the slices are too thick. Once, I tried an end run around this problem by asking for a hunk and, then, asking the kitchen to slice it really thin. Whoops! The person who did the slicing went with the grain rather than across the grain so the meat was stringy. When I realized what had happened, I went back, bought a second hunk and did the slicing myself. My husband and I ate the stringy brisket for days afterward.

[wristband]

I have given up on Whole Foods' take out versions of most items. Last item was an oversalted, rubbery piece of sirloin that promptly got tossed. WF baked goods have improved markedly but your description of WF latkes is far too kind.

Funny enough, I just took home several orders of Balducci's brisket after sampling several bites at the counter. I was impressed. Tonight is Balducci's brisket night sans latkes with a rowdy crowd. They better be pleased or my dining room walls will be pelted with brisket sauce. Doubt it but one never knows when canterkous hungry guests show up.

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Balducci's
600 Franklin St, Alexandria, VA 22314

[plantainsandkimchi]

Loeb's Deli has tasty matzo ball soup.

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Loeb's Restaurant
832 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

[gateway girl]

Thanks for your suggestions. I'm going to try both Balducci's and Loebs. Has anyone tried Wagshal's?

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Loeb's Restaurant
832 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Balducci's
600 Franklin St, Alexandria, VA 22314

[monkeyrotica]

Chutzpah Deli does a decent mazo ball soup, but I think the version at City Diner in Seven Corners tastes better.

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City Diner
5616 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041

[ktmoomau]

You could always call up Dino and get theirs to go.

[Jule]

I like the matzo ball soup (which is more like a chick noodle and matzo ball) from Bagel City in Rockville. Definitly not your typical golden broth with a matzo ball, but good in its own way.

[Elyssa]

I like the soup at Dean and Deluca. But I would call them ASAP to make sure you can make in order that large this close to the holiday.

[flavrmeistr]

Double-T Diner in Frederick consistently has the best matzo ball soup around, but only the Frederick location. Rich chicken flavor with two humongous fluffy matzo balls.

[dining with doc]

Max's Kosher in Wheaton
Kosher Mart in Rockville
Brooklyn /Deli in Potomac/Rockville
Parkway Deli in Silver Spring

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Max's Kosher Cafe
2319 University Blvd West, Wheaton, MD 20902

Parkway Deli & Restaurant
8317 Grubb Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910

[Steve]

I was not pleased with Parkway's, albeit this was a long time ago now. Maybe their sandwiches are good, but I think very little of their other offerings.

[DanielK]

I'm with Steve, not a fan of Parkway.

Brooklyn's is my first choice for deli, with Uptown a close second.