Soup-er Soupfest raises $77,000 for Living Rock

Burlington’s West Plains Bistro takes home top honours for their field mushroom soup

Hamilton’s favourite soupy celebration ladled up thousands of dollars in support of at-risk youth Tuesday. The popular event, which sees local restaurants compete to make delicious, creative and innovative soups, raised $77,000.

All proceeds support Living Rock Ministries’ programs for youth-at-risk. Each week, Living Rock prepares 1,000 meals, provides emergency food to 200 youth per week, offers prenatal, parenting, crisis and housing support in addition to employment training and work experience six days per week.

Tuesday’s event drew thousands of soup lovers to the convention centre.

Winners were voted on by a panel of judges — Alex Bielak (lead Soupfest tasting panel judge), Jane Allison, Diane Galambos, Sid Friedman and Liem Vu — and the public.

Here are the judges’ winners: Best soup Field mushroom soup by West Plains Bistro

A delightful soup, featuring a variety of mushrooms, that any fine dining restaurant would be proud to serve. It had great aroma, texture and flavour with each component blending well. First runner-up Zucchini dill soup by RBG Rock Garden Café

A salty parsnip chip and goat cheese on a crostini complemented the beautiful texture of this gluten-free, vegan dill-flavoured soup. Second runner-up Carbonara soup by Baci Ristorante

Reminiscent of its pasta namesake, with beautiful colour and texture. Thinly sliced bacon (we think) and an egg garnish were fine complements. Most innovative soup Nacho soup by Odds Bar

The judges said this light-textured soup with a substantial finish, spicy undertones and a nice crunch from a homemade nacho chip was one that “woke them up.” Best soup (voted by public) Winner: West Plains Bistro — Field mushroom soup

First runner-up: Baci Ristorante — Carbonara soup Second runner-up: East Meets West — Cream of Buffalo chicken soup Most creative soup (voted by public) Winner: East Meets West — Cream of Buffalo chicken soup First runner-up: West Plains Bistro — Field mushroom soup Second runner-up: Odds Bar — Nacho soup Best display (voted by public) Winner: Eden’s Cafe — Vegetable mulligatawny First runner-up: West Plains Bistro — Field mushroom soup Second runner-up: Red Door Cucina — Sweet heat (butternut squash with jalapeno and toasted coconut soup Tastiest heart-healthy soup (voted by public): Winner: West Plains Bistro — Field mushroom soup

First runner-up: Gage Diner — Hearty vegetable soup Second runner-up: Eden’s Cafe — Vegetable mulligatawny

PHOTOS BY CATHIE COWARD THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR Staff from the Black Forest Inn serve a hungry customer.

Above: Marvin Laidman said his favourite Soupfest offering was the spicy chowder from Kelsey’s. Right: The annual fundraiser for Living Rock Youth Ministries was once again the place to be for lunch.

Food writer and blogger Diane Galambos tastes and judges some of the entries.