Soup for the Cultured Soul newcomer, Grand Buddha Bistro, beat out the competition to win the People’s Choice Soup 2016 award at Saturday night’s event.
The winning soup was a traditional Tom Yum Soup, with a slightly sour flavour and a powerful kick of spice.
“The soup we made tonight is a traditional Thai soup and it was made with enoki mushrooms and … oyster mushrooms [and chicken],” explained Danny Mathieson, owner of Grand Buddha Bistro. “It’s just a regular, staple Thai dish.”
The soup beat out five other competitors: maple ham and white bean soup from Black Rooster Classic Bar and Grill; smoked duck, fennel and mushroom soup from three-time reining champ, the Lion’s Head Smoke and Brew; borscht from Thrum’s Market and Deli; Achayan’s beef soup from the Element Club Bar Grill; and sweet potato leek soup from the Wandering Greek Oven.
Mathieson was very happy about the win.
“I’m super excited and super flattered. Yeah, I don’t even know what to say,” he said. “I’m shocked; I’ve never won anything before in my life.”
The event, which is the Kootenay Gallery’s major annual fundraiser, was a huge success, selling out all 135 tickets. There was even a waiting list.
“We’re very, very pleased with the turn out and the support for the Gallery,” said Audrey Polovnikoff, chair of the Gallery board.
Not only was the event sold out, but there were three first-time contenders: not only newcomer Grand Buddha Bistro, but also the Wandering Greek Oven and Thrum’s Market and Deli.
There were also a number of gorgeous handmade pottery bowls made by local artists for attendees to choose from.
Polovnikoff wanted to thank those who helped organize and put on the event.
“Thanks to Chris [Bell] and to Florio Vassalikakis for being on the committee that brought this idea forward six years ago,” she said.