Sudbury’s first Sensational Soup Off event a huge success

The Sensational Soup Off was a success on Friday in downtown Sudbury. Despite cold temperatures, a large crowd came out to support the Elgin Street Mission.

Friday saw Greater Sudbury’s first Sensational Soup Off event held downtown in support of the Elgin Street Mission.

Organizers called the event a huge success.

A sizable crowd gathered a large crowd to enjoy a soup lunch outdoors in the Mission’s parking lot on Jan. 31 – despite frigid temperatures.

The soup was served up by 16 local restaurants and hospitality locations – including the mission itself.

Several VIPs were in attendance at the event to just enjoy a warm meal while others like Pure Country 91.7 host Bryan Cooper served as judges.

Mayor Paul Lefebvre acted as ‘soup master’ and emceed the event.

The Colonial Sports Bar took home first place with their ‘Home Run’ soup – a twist on the classic broccoli cheddar with lasagna noodles and ground beef added in prepared by their chef, Kassandra Vandeligt.

“It was great to be here and warm up some of the bodies outside in this cold weather and, it was great to see everybody else participating and what everybody brought to the table,” said Anessa Basso of Colonial Sports Bar.

“I had lots of confidence in Kass and I’m glad we were able to make first – but there’s definitely some good soups out there too.”

Other participants included the Apollo Restaurant, M.I.C. Canadian Eatery, the Daventry Kitchen and Bar, Ukrainian Seniors Centre, the Sikh Temple, Pizzeria Roma, East Side Mario’s, Fionn MacCool’s, Kuppajo Espresso Bar, Radisson Hotel/Pesto’s, Gus' Restaurant and Wander Food and Wine.

Amanda Labreche, the Mission’s executive director, told CTV News that she was pleased that so many local eateries stepped up to offer up so many different types of soup.

“It means a lot to us personally. It’s a big deal,” she said.

Mission clients received complimentary soup while other patrons made donations for a soup of their choice at the event.

“(Seeing) people are down here mingling with our guests, getting to know our guests. It’s a wonderful event. Just to see what we do and to get to know our people,” said Labreche.

All of the proceeds from the event went to the Mission and organizers told CTV News that they estimate that about $1,000 was raised in the 90-minute event.

With the success, organizers added they considering hosting another soup off or similar event.

With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Alana Everson