Burger Revolution and The Kafana were the big winners at Belleville’s 21st Savour the Chill soup competition on Saturday.
Burger Revolution claimed the People’s Choice Award, while The Kafana took home the Judges’ Choice Award.
The Kafana’s Turkish red lentil soup claimed the Judges’ Choice award, following their victory in last year’s inaugural Savour the Fall mac and cheese competition.
Capers Restaurant’s Smoked Red Pepper Cream with Brie Crisps won second place, followed by Burger Revolution’s Roasted Apple and Butternut Squash in third place.
Burger Revolution owner Jeff Camacho not only won the People’s Choice award, but he also prophesied the win, saying that “we’re going for the People’s Choice award this year”, a few days before the soup contest.
Burger Revolution also won the Judges’ Choice award for the soup competition in 2024.
Frosty Bubble Bliss placed a close second place for the People’s Choice Award, and Capers took the third spot.
The three judges this year included Cristina Cadavid from United Way, City Councillor Margaret Seu, and real estate mogul/Memorial Market Place guru Joe Shunock.
“I chose The Kafana as my favorite soup because the flavours were authentic and unique. When the soup making process was explained, I could taste the love that was put into making it,” said Cadavid about the winning entry.
This year’s contest featured 20 downtown Belleville restaurants vying for the prestigious title. Participating restaurants served a variety of soups from dill pickle soup to Italian wedding soup, many with vegan and gluten-free options. Soups were judged according to their taste, presentation, texture and creativity.
The Downtown Belleville District BIA will be hosting three more food contests this year, in the spring, summer and fall.
Participating downtown restaurants included:
BayLeaf – Five Lentils Vegetable Soup (Vegan/Vegetarian)
Belle Pub – Paz’s Barley Soup (Vegetarian)
Belleville’s House of Prayer – The Great Canadian Chowder (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Benji’s Coffee Bar – Creamy Chicken Stew
Bourbon Street – Tomato Basil Bisque
Burger Revolution – Roasted Apple & Butternut Squash (Vegetarian)
Capers – Smoked Red Pepper Cream with Brie Crisps (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free)
Frosty Bubble Bliss – South Indian Rasam Soup (Gluten-Friendly)
Gourmet Diem – Beef Vegetable Barley
Jim’s Pizzeria – Italian Wedding Soup
L’Auberge de France – Basil Ratatouille Provençale (Vegetarian)
Obi’s Kitchen – Loaded Potato Soup with Smoked Bacon
Paulo’s & Dinkels Restaurant – Potato Cream Bacon Soup
Pho Blue Basil – Vietnamese Beef Pho
Sans Souci – Asian-Style Honey Garlic Chicken Wing Soup
The Kafana – Mercimek-Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Vegetarian)(Vegan if requested)
The Lark – Italian Wedding Soup
The Smokin’ 116 Bistro – Dill Pickle Soup
Tropical Blends – Good ol’ Tomato Soup
UpFront Cafe – Potato Bacon Soup
