With the blistering heat in summer and the bone-chilling cold in winter, operating year-round ice cream or soup shops can present a bit of a challenge. But Al Yeganeh, the man famously parodied on "Seinfeld" as the "Soup Nazi," offers up some of the best of both seasons, with delectable ice cream providing sweet relief in warm months and thick soup warming the coldest winter chill.

The first of a series of restaurants slated to open around the country, the Chicago SoupMan/Cold Stone Cafe is a merger of Yeganeh's successful Original SoupMan chain and the equally popular Arizona-based ice cream purveyor, Cold Stone Creamery.

Although the variety of flavors may be small, the soup doesn't skimp on taste, with thick, rich chicken vegetable, shrimp bisque, turkey chili and minestrone up for grabs. Complimentary bread, chocolate and fruit make the $5.99 cup or the $7.99 bowl a satisfying meal.

If you're in the mood for a cooler treat, don't miss a sweet scoop with the usual Cold Stone fixings. Cheery employees sling fresh ice cream in both traditional and more unusual flavors (French Toast, anyone?) onto a cold granite slab, and mix in your choice of toppings, ranging from graham cracker crumbs to fresh brownies. Prices for ice cream plus one topping range from $4.59 to $5.09, depending on whether you choose the "like it," "love it," or "gotta have it" size.

Indoors, the simply decorated spot hosts some small tables and chairs around the perimeter of the parlor, while outdoor tables and umbrellas provide the perfect place to enjoy a waffle cone.

Just don't expect an employee to scream "No soup for you!" a la the "Soup Nazi;" instead, drop a bill into the tip jar and, true to the Cold Stone’s style, hear the staff burst into a cheerful song of thanks.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Olivia Leigh