Soup's back on: Hamilton food fest returns to convention centre after 'challenging' time for industry

For Kristy Van Beek, this past weekend was all about soup.

The owner of Apothecary Kitchen in the Hamilton Farmers' Market spent the weekend with her 84-year-old grandmother chopping carrots and squash, and making broth — enough to make at least 175 litres of vegetable soup.

Van Beek will be dishing it all out Tuesday, part of Soupfest at the Hamilton Convention Centre. 

"Grandma owned a catering company for years and taught me all the ropes of this business," Van Beek said Monday. 

Apothecary Kitchen is one of 15 restaurant taking part in the event, a fundraiser for Living Rock Ministries, whose programs for at-risk youth including drop-in events, free meals and clothing.

The event, now in its 21st year, is also competitive — after tasting, attendees and judges vote in a number of categories. 

"We are thrilled to support the important work of Living Rock and as a small business it would mean the world to me to win the 'best soup' competition," Van Beek said. 

A $20 ticket gets you four bowls of soup, between 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Julie Conway, operations director of Living Rock Ministries, told CBC Hamilton she was initially worried if restaurants would rejoin the festival in-person this year, after the pandemic forced a change to a remote system in 2021. Customers have been going to individual restaurants instead of at a central location ever since.

"There was definitely a sense of uncertainty," said Conway. "The pandemic has been really challenging for the restaurant industry, but it's been wonderful to see restaurants come forward to participate."

Conway said attendees are in for a treat on Tuesday.

"What these restaurants put forth is absolutely a culinary masterpiece. You're hit with so many complex and amazing flavours and Hamilton loves soup," she said.

She said she hopes to see up to $40,000 to $50,000 raised for Living Rock Ministries.

In addition to the "best soup" category Van Beek hopes to win, there's also a vote for the "most heart smart," "most creative" and "best presentation" soups.