Bookbinder soup facts for kids
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Bookbinder's soup, also known as snapper soup, is a special kind of seafood soup. It first came from a famous restaurant in Philadelphia, USA, called Old Original Bookbinder's. This soup is known for its rich flavor and interesting history.
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What is Bookbinder's Soup?
Bookbinder's soup is a hearty and flavorful soup. It is often served in fancy restaurants. The soup has a unique taste that comes from its main ingredients.
The Original Recipe
The very first Bookbinder's soup was a type of turtle soup. It was made with meat from the common snapping turtle. This original recipe also included many common stew vegetables. These vegetables were tomatoes, carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Onions, leeks, mushrooms, and garlic were also added. This mix of ingredients gave the soup a deep and complex flavor.
A New Twist: Fish Snapper Soup
Over time, the soup became popular in other places. For example, at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, they made a change. Instead of turtle meat, they used red snapper fish. This fish was likely chosen because its name, "snapper," was similar to the original "snapping turtle." The Chicago Tribune newspaper even shared a recipe for this fish version. It was given to them by the hotel's head chef.
Where Did the Name Come From?
The name "Bookbinder" comes directly from the person who started the famous restaurant. The alternative name, "snapper soup," also has a clear origin.
Samuel Bookbinder's Legacy
The name "Bookbinder" comes from Samuel Bookbinder. He was an immigrant from the Netherlands. Samuel Bookbinder opened the Old Original Bookbinder's restaurant in 1893. His restaurant became very famous for its seafood, especially this soup.
Why "Snapper Soup"?
The name "snapper soup" originally referred to the main ingredient. This was the common snapping turtle meat. Even today, the Old Original Bookbinder's restaurant lists the soup as "snapper soup" on its menu. However, many other places still use the name "Bookbinder's soup."
