Guests warmed up for Super Bowl LVII by joining Orland Township at the 4th annual Souper Bowl Challenge on Saturday, Feb. 11. After having the opportunity to sample 16 soups, guests and judges cast their votes for their favorite.
Nearly 200 guests took on the challenge and tasted soups from cooks divided into four categories, or quarters, for the competition. Participants competing as Rookies (foodies between the ages of 12 and 54 years of age), Public Service Pro Bowlers (emergency responders, teachers, elected officials, and other government employees), Senior Hall of Famers (senior citizens, 55 years of age and older), and Culinary MVPs (restaurants and professional chefs) all had the chance to take home a trophy at the end of the event.
Soup contenders prepared extra batches of soup for local soup kitchens. Proceeds from the event benefitted the Orland Township Food Pantry, which provides support to local residents in need of assistance.
“The Souper Bowl Challenge was back and better than ever,” said Supervisor Paul O’Grady. “We were glad to see a number of new cooks join us this time around. It was a great experience for everyone, and we look forward to doing it all again next year.”
Congratulations to the 2023 Souper Bowl Challenge Winners
Rookies:
1st Place: Maria Garcia – Chicken Tortilla Soup
2nd Place: Angela Greenfield & Tina Zekich – Leek, Potato & Spinach Stew
3rd Place: Gianna O’Malley – Chicken Noodle Soup
Senior Hall of Famers:
1st Place: Joe Torpy – Zuppa Toscana
2nd Place: Suzanne Law – Tomato Soup
3rd Place: Mary Lu Wasniewski – Vegetable Minestrone
Public Service Pro Bowlers:
1st Place: Marian Village – Potato Bacon Soup
2nd Place: Trustee Bill Brady, Village of Tinley Park – Beef Barley
3rd Place: Smith Crossing – Shrimp Etouffee
Culinary MVPs:
1st Place: Georgio’s – Cream of Chicken
2nd Place: North on Maple – Cream of Chicken
3rd Place: Rock Bottom – Southwest Corn Chowder
People’s Choice:
Marian Village – Potato Bacon Soup
Best Decorated Table:
Chuy’s – Chicken Tortilla Soup
Orland Township held the Souper Bowl Challenge on the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 11 in support of the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation. Special thanks to Georgios Banquets, Quality Inn & Suites Conference Centre, North & Maple Kitchen + Bar, Elements by The Odyssey, ISAVE Audio Video Production, and Evon's Trophies & Awards for their support.