Soup Fest returns
Colchester's best chefs compete for a good cause
TRURO - The United Way of Colchester's Soup Fest is back again for another year, rounding up the county's greatest chefs to make savory soups that double as a fundraising initiative.
Since 2018, Soup Fest has been a staple of not only the United Way's fundraising campaign but also Truro's Long John Festival. It will take place on Valentine's Day from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Truro Farmer's Market. They plan to feature soups from one to 12 chefs.
"(They'll) make a giant amount of soup, and attendees, who purchase tickets as a fundraiser for the United Way, will go and sample all the soups and vote for their favourite at the end," said Sam Madore, executive director of United Way Colchester.
Though the venue hasn't changed, the method of delivery has. Since COVID, Soup Fest has been take-out only. Madore explained this year, they'll be adapting to a hybrid model to allow sit-in dining, as well.
"It's kind of nice that COVID forced us to re-jig things to make it easier for people," said Madore. "Some people don't have the time and capacity to actually sit in and sample the soup in person, so it's nice that we still have the option to take them away."
Madore said the event is perfectly suited for the colder, winter months, especially alongside the Long John Festival.
"First of all, it's February and it's cold, so soup is always welcome at that time of year. Secondly, it's part of the Long John Festival, so we can get people out in the middle of the day, they can wear their long johns if they want, and also, we get to partner with some of our community partners in a different way."
After the event, there will be online voting that determines the winner of Soup Fest.
"It's a little bit of bragging rights for the chefs," said Madore. "Clay Cafe, who has been a partner from the beginning, will make spoon rests as the first, second and third place prize, so they'll get to keep one of those if they win."
Last year's winner was a mystery chef - unknown to all but the Farmer's Market - who ended up coming out on top. This chef was Mari Ann Stiles from Taco Stiles food truck. Second place was the Canadian Mental Health Association, and third was Dennis Pierce from Bistro 22.
Though Madore said there are no plans for another mystery chef this year, they have decided to try and include more chefs from outside of Truro.
"We are planning to have a few new chefs. We want to make sure we're expanding out to include all of Colchester County, so we have more chefs coming in from Tatamagouche and outside of Truro."
One of the new competitors this year is Parichats co-owner and chef Parichat Lasingwong. She will be making a Thai curry soup.