When a new resident moves into our memory care homes, we like to ask them and their families for some special items to include in our weekly grocery order. It’s an easy way to customize our menus for our residents to ensure they have a few favorite items in the fridge or cupboards.

Recently, some of our incoming residents told us they enjoy matzo ball soup. Matzo balls or matzah balls are soup dumplings made from a mixture of matzah meal, beaten eggs, water, and a fat, such as oil, margarine, or chicken fat.

If a resident requests a special meal like this we like to try and provide the special at least once per month if we can. Sometimes a family member will bring a special lasagna made in a special way that only they can, or sometimes we go out and get the meal from a local restaurant.

For matzo ball soup, we get to go from one of two spots that arguably make some of the best matzo ball soup in Greater Orlando.

TooJay’s Deli - Altamonte Springs

• Location: 515 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

• Their matzo ball soup description: “Our light and fluffy matzo balls in a rich chicken broth with carrots and onions.”

Pickles New York Deli

• Location: 1891 West State Road 434, Longwood, Florida 32750

If you know a spot that makes a delicious matzo ball soup, please contact us to let us know!