The 9th Annual Soupfest event took place on March 14 at the NG Municipal Centre, where a very large crowd turned up to enjoy an absolute cornucopia of soup treats prepared by local restaurants and chefs. Soupfest is a fundraising event by TLC Ministries, an outreach program for seniors, single moms and youth in the region. The soups came from as far away as Carp, and restaurants in Smith’s Falls, Morrisburg and Manotick. Local chefs came from Kemptville’s Crusty Baker, Brewed Awakenings, the South Branch Bistro, Hard Stones Grill, and Nakhon Thai. Lock 17 were there from Burritt’s Rapids, the Yellow Canoe from Merrickville, and Castleview Fine Dining from across the Rideau River.
In addition to the soups, visitors could vote for the People’s Choice Award, and bid at an auction for decadent desserts. Julie Balloonie kept everyone entertained with balloon twisting exploits and the chefs enjoyed the opportunity to meet their customers in a new context. Instead of being hidden away in their kitchens, they were out front, greeting their patrons and having a friendly competition with their colleagues from the other restaurants.
The Peoples Choice Award went to: 1. Castleview Fine Dining’s Seafood Chowder; 2. Chuckles Jack’s Saffron&Curry Leaf Chicken Soup; and 3. Yellow Canoe’s Thai Coconut Sweet Potato soup.
The Culinary Judges Awards had a few categories, and went as follows:
Best Soup: 1. Georgian Dragon Pub’s Fiddle Head Soup; 2.Hard Stones &Grill’s Fire Roasted Cauliflower and Canadian Gouda; and 3. Lock 17’s Cheddar Brie Pumpkin Beer Soup with a pecan oat crumble.
The Most Creative Soup: 1.Georgian Dragon Pub; 2. Castleview Fine Dining; 3. Hard Stones &Grill.
Best Presentation: 1.Aquatopia’s Spinach Celeriac with kale chips. 2. Castleview; and 3. Chuckles Jack. Congratulations to everyone!
TLC’s President, Lynn Ford, was very pleased and grateful for the support and the success of the 9th Soupfest: “Next year we will be celebrating our 10th Anniversary on March 4, 2018 in Brockville. We look forward to celebrating with many of you! And we are already planning to make it special.”
The atmosphere was wonderful, the food was delicious, and the cause was worthwhile. A fine way to spend a Saturday at the end of winter.
