Local chefs serve up soup for Hamilton’s 22nd annual Soupfest

Tuesday’s dreary weather was a welcome experience for those attending this year’s Soupfest at the Hamilton Convention Centre.

The annual event has become a staple fundraiser for Living Rock Ministries, a charity supporting vulnerable youth in the city since 1985.

Around 16 varieties from 13 restaurants and a couple of extra contributors were made available to a packed crowd.

Family-owned Stuffed restaurant has held strong onto the Best Soup Award for the last four years and this year they hope to keep that streak alive with a fried chicken soup.

READ MORE: Burlington approves program to bolster outdoor patios

“It’s got a chicken broth that’s pureed with mashed potatoes, celery and carrots and deep fried breaded chicken into it, and then it’s topped with a fried crispy chicken skin,” Michelle Schmidt, of the restaurant said of this year’s contender.

My Thai’s coconut potato soup also had a long line of visitors, with the restaurant saying it’s happy to be helping out Living Rock Ministries.

“This is our way of connecting to the community and our way of taking care of social responsibility, do our part,” said My Thai’s Vanh Kalong.

For the first time in the event’s 22-year history, Living Rock is offering their own soup. Though it is not eligible for an award, the spicy thai chili peanut soup is made entirely by the team at Living Rock.

READ MORE: Norfolk County home to top family-run popcorn business

The Ministries’ chef, Jaqui Westoby, explained the inspiration behind the creation.

“The soup concept was what can we make out of what is donated. peanut butter is like the number one donation, so how do we make something gourmet out of what you have in your pantry.”

Living Rock says every cent raised at Soupfest is critical for its work in the community.

“Every bowl of soup sold goes directly to living rock and the work that we do, providing a number of different programs. We’re really trying to seek to provide a home for people right, so we have to raise money for things like utilities, hydro, warm showers,” explained Living Rock’s Jennifer Devries.

READ MORE: Hamilton hits record high warmth ahead of expected sharp drop

Soup enthusiasts had the opportunity to vote for Best Soup along with several other categories throughout the day.

Winners were announced as the event closed, with the Royal Botanical Garden’s Rock Garden Cafe taking home the title with its Roasted Fennel and Carrot soup from the judging panel.

When it came to the public opinion, My Thai’s Coconut Potato soup won big as that category’s Best Soup title.