By John Nugent
It was Souper Saturday in Port Washington last weekend as the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce hosted Souper Bowl XII at the Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church. Sixteen local restaurants were represented, each serving a specialty soup.
Warren Schein, a chamber co-president, estimated more than 600 people were on hand to enjoy samples of the soups and vote for their favorites.
Three categories of votes were tallied to determine the winners of the competition for the tastiest servings. The Judges’ Choice was Greek Island seafood chowder from f.i.s.h. on Main.
Brittany Kozsling from Cactus Cafe said of its chicken corn chowder, “it could be your dinner.” Evidently, most of the attendees agreed and voted it the People’s Choice Award.
The Kids Choice Award went to Frank’s Pizza for its chicken noodle soup.
Denise Adams, a resident of Port Washington, said, “I am very happy to come every year.” She said she enjoys the opportunity to meet people and praised the chamber for its charitable activities.
Residents Antonia Bais, Claire Meyers and Josephine Cippitelli, together at the event for the first time, all agreed that they could not pick one but added that they will definitely be back next year.
Eight-year-old Jiliya Pan described the chicken noodle soup as “yummy.” Her friend, Lisa Hu, 7, also voted for the chicken noodle. Lisa’s father, Jason Hu, liked the meat flavor of the lemon chicken soup from Yummy Gyro.
Catherine Kokkalakis, sitting with her children, Matt, 10 and Ethan, 9 praised the chamber for bringing the community together.
Jack Kozinn and Michael Asselta, both 10, were fans of the tomato soup with croutons and kesere cheese featured by Bosphorus.
Bosphorus came in second place for all three awards.
Split pea soup offered by North Shore Farms was the choice of Joe Labella. His daughter, Daisy, 12 cast her ballot for potato leek from Finn McCool’s.
The chamber executive director, Bobbie Polay deemed the event very successful and said she looks forward to continuing the tradition for many years.
The funds raised at the event go toward funding the chamber’s events and activities throughout the year.
Chamber co-President Mitch Schwartz asked everyone to reserve Feb. 1, 2020, the Saturday before next year’s Super Bowl, for Port Washington’s SOUPer Bowl XIII.
