THE NEWLY OPENED Stone Soup Kitchen will bring back fond memories for anyone who frequented Stone Soup Natural Foods — a Virginia-Highland neighborhood institution from 1978 to 1994. Original owner Sarah Rick is back, along with chef Martha Stovall, offering a homey lunch menu of hearty soups and creative sandwiches, including some vegetarian and vegan items.

NEIGHBORHOOD FRIENDLY: Stone Soup Kitchen is situated in a modest storefront, just north of I-20 at the corner of Boulevard and Woodward Avenue. Rick says she chose the location (which was formerly a taqueria) because she wanted a casual neighborhood space that wasn't in a strip center. Inside, the atmosphere is bright and convivial, with tables of varying sizes. An open kitchen and cafeteria-style setup make for lots of interaction between patrons and kitchen staff.

Kirsten Luce/special (ENLARGE)
With fall right around the corner, a hearty soup and sandwich might just do the trick at Stone Soup Kitchen.
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SOUPS AND SANDWICHES: The menu changes daily and features at least three different soups (available in three sizes), three different sandwiches (available in whole or half sizes), and an entree-size salad. Recent soup offerings have included a zesty gazpacho made with a refreshing blend of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and onions, with fresh herbs and pickled jalapeños, topped with sour cream. Vegan Brazilian black bean mingles chunky tomatoes, sweet peppers, onions and carrots with spices and bits of orange, and comes topped with salsa and sour cream. Sandwich offerings have included an elegant take on that Southern favorite, pimento cheese, with a creamy, spicy mix of sharp cheddar, pimentos and mayo served on a flaky croissant with tomato slices and leaf lettuce. Savory house-roasted beef comes grilled on a baguette with Swiss cheese and horseradish mayo. Homemade sweet treats, such as brownies, lemon bars and cookies, are displayed at the front checkout counter. Drinks, including bottled water, juices and flavored teas, are in a refrigerated case near the front entrance. Coffee and pastries are served from 6:30 a.m. until closing.

COMING SOON: Rick says Stone Soup will soon offer brunch on the weekends as well as dinner several nights a week. A limited number of beers and wines will also be available.

HOURS: Lunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; coffee and pastries: 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
PRICES: Soups $2.95-$7.75; salads $5.95-$7.99; sandwiches $3.25-$8; desserts $1.60-$3.25
CREDIT CARDS: All major cards except Diners Club
RESERVATIONS: No
RECOMMENDED DISHES: Soups and sandwiches (change daily)
CHILDREN: Welcome
PARKING: On site
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Yes
SMOKING POLICY: Nonsmoking
NOISE LEVEL: Moderate
TAKEOUT: Yes
VERDICT: Laid-back soup and sandwich shop just right for the Grant Park neighborhood