Over 450 people came out on Saturday, February 1 to sample a variety of delicious soups and choose their favorite at our 7th annual Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off. Congratulations to Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar in Somers Point for taking first place in the People’s Choice Golden Spoon Award for the second year in a row, serving up a shrimp and crab roasted corn chowder. The Gregory’s family is also part of the ACS family and everyone gathered on stage to receive their award.
Sal’s Coal-Fired Pizza in Somers Point took 2nd place for the second year in a row, serving a tortellini soup. The Atlantic City Rescue Mission Kitchen finished in 3rd place with its broccoli and cheddar soup, the first time the Rescue Mission has placed in the contest. Congratulations to 2011 ACS alumnus Dara Heston, who headed up the Mission’s culinary team.
Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket, donated to be an Event Sponsor, or brought cans of soup and other non-perishable items for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. The Bowls of Hope showcased some of the best restaurants in and around Atlantic County serving up their specialty soups. Our high school students had the great experience of helping serve some of the soups and working behind the scenes with set-up, clean-up, selling tickets, and more.
Thirty-five elementary and middle school students presented 16 entertaining acts throughout the evening, showcasing their God-given talents and abilities. Students sang, danced, played the violin, and even performed while riding hover boards. Faculty member Amy Parker and senior Ashleigh Martin served as the Talent Show emcees.
We would like to thank and recognize the 20 chefs and restaurants who donated soup and helped make our event a success. Please join us in thanking them by patronizing these establishments. Our 20 participating restaurants and chefs were: Academy of Culinary Arts; Atlantic City Rescue Mission Kitchen; Bahay Kubo; Barrels; Bonterra Market; Carluccio’s; Charlie’s Bar & Restaurant; Eat Clean Organization; Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar; La Cucina Ristorante; Maurizio’s Pizzeria; Romanelli’s On the Greene; Sal’s Coal Fired Pizza; Sofia Restaurant; Steve and Cookies Restaurant; Tacocat; Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall; The Cheese Board; The Local’s Spot; and Whisk Bakery and Cafe.
We would also like to thank and recognize our generous Bowls of Hope Sponsors: American Church Group of NJ; B.F. Mazzeo Fruits and Produce; Clayton’s Self Storage; Edward Jones Investments, Jason Kiefer, Financial Advisor; Formica Brothers Bakery; H.S. Restoration and Cleaning Service; Klingert Family Chiropractic; Olympic Physical Therapy; and SERVPRO of Egg Harbor/Ventnor City.
CLICK HERE to read more exciting details and see photos of our Bowls of Hope as reported in the Press of Atlantic City’s February 1 article. Hope to see everyone back again next year!
