Team NC once again earned the People’s Choice Award for Best Soup at the annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser, an event that supports Bethlehem Housing and Support Services.
The team’s winning creation was a Wild Mushroom and Roasted Sunchoke Soup, was garnished with cheddar croutons and chive crème fraîche
The fundraiser, which raises money for affordable housing and support programs across the region, gives guests the opportunity to sample gourmet soups prepared by Niagara’s top chefs, all served in handcrafted bowls made by local potters.
A long-time participant in the event, Niagara College’s Culinary team, led by Chef Professor Daniel LeBlanc, showcased their talents in the soup competition. Their winning creation, Wild Mushroom and Roasted Sunchoke Soup, was garnished with cheddar croutons and chive crème fraîche. A team of five NC Culinary Arts students helped prepare the soup, set up the service station, and served over 400 guests throughout the evening.
“This event is always a great experience for our students as it exposes them to large-volume food preparation, catering, planning and logistics, and customer service,” said Chef Dan. “It was also a great way for them to see what culinary industry professionals are doing and hopefully make connections for their future careers.”
Beyond showcasing their skills, the event was an opportunity for students to give back to the community, further enriching their experience at NC.
“I was really impressed with the students this year,” said Chef Dan. “Not only did they dedicate their time prepping and serving the soup, but I saw them step out of their comfort zone–explaining the soup and interacting with guests. Even though this event isn’t about winning, it was special to see them up on the podium for the People’s Choice Award and representing NC in such a meaningful way.”
NC has a history of success at Empty Bowls, also winning the People’s Choice Award last year. In past years, NC students have earned both the People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice awards.
NC’s Dean of Culinary, Tourism, and Beverage Studies, Craig Youdale, once again took on the role as a judge at the fundraiser.
“I am very proud of our student team,” said Youdale. “I told them the People’s Choice Award is the one you want to win, because in the culinary industry, we are in the business of making people happy, not judges!”
