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Seven chefs to go head-to-head in Soup Challenge
The Kootenay Granite Stone Soup Challenge to raise funds to support homeless shelter project
This February, seven of the top chefs in Cranbrook and Kimberley will compete Iron-chef style in the first-ever Kootenay Granite Stone Soup Challenge.
In head-to-head rounds, chefs will put their culinary creativity to the test in the soup kitchen at the Salvation Army in Cranbrook, each preparing a daily soup using only the donated ingredients on hand. They will serve lunch to Salvation Army clients, who will vote on their favourite soup. The winner will move on to the next round.
The two chef finalists will face-off at an exciting luncheon fundraiser on March 4, noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort. Tickets to this public event will be available in two prices: $25 for lunch; or, $45 for lunch and a $20 charitable receipt. Proceeds are in support of the Salvation Army in their efforts to build a 24/7 shelter in Cranbrook for homeless men, women, and families throughout the East Kootenay, as well as the Cranbrook and District Community Foundation (CDCF) general endowment fund, which provides annual grants to non-profit organizations in the community.
The participating chefs are:
- Chef Rusty Cox, The Heid Out Restaurant and Brewhouse, Cranbrook
- Chef Graham Barnes, Max’s Place, Cranbrook
- Chef Shelby Schiller, BJ’s Diner and Creekside Pub, Kimberley
- Chef Marc Rathpoller, Tuscany’s, Cranbrook
- Sous Chef Doug Wagner, St. Eugene Mission Resort, Cranbrook
- Chef Kathy Morey, Salvation Army, Cranbrook
- Chef Barb Smythe, The Roadhouse Grill, Cranbrook
“We are thrilled to contribute to this exciting new fundraiser,” says Rick Klassen, owner of Kootenay Granite. “Cranbrook is where I choose to build my business and raise my family, and it is important to me to support initiatives that focus on strengthening the health and vitality of the community and area.”
The Kootenay Granite Stone Soup Challenge is based on a well-known fable, where a starving stranger arrives in a village and starts a “soup” by boiling a stone. When all is said and done, each villager has made a small contribution to the soup, and everyone is fed. This is what happens every day at the Salvation Army. Soup is a big part of the 12,000 meals they serve annually.
“Many of the meals we serve come from donations in the community and we are very appreciative of the generous support,” says Salvation Army Captain Kirk Green. “But the need is great in our community; and the Salvation Army is focused on providing clients with the most nutritious and wholesome food possible, so we are continuously seeking quality donations of both fresh and preserved items that nourish and sustain.”
The Kootenay Granite Stone Soup Challenge is organized in partnership by the Cranbrook and District Community Foundation and Salvation Army in Cranbrook.
“We’re so thankful to Kootenay Granite for the title sponsorship and providing that metaphorical stone that results in a community feast,” says Riley Wilcox, executive director, CDCF. “This is a very exciting fundraising event that the community has rallied around. Chefs especially jumped at the opportunity to participate, and we are so thrilled with the high level of culinary talent that will be on display at the Salvation Army soup kitchen.”
Other sponsors of the Kootenay Granite Stone Soup Challenge include College of the Rockies – Professional Cook Training, Tuscany’s, Creative Type brand communication, 102.9 The Drive FM and B-104 Total Country.
Tickets to the Kootenay Granite Stone Soup Challenge grand finale luncheon fundraising event will be available after Feb. 15 and can be purchased with cash at Max’s Place, or through the CDCF office by calling 250-426-1119.
First round date and match-ups
Monday, Feb. 16 – Chef Rusty Cox and Chef Graham Barnes ;Tuesday, Feb. 17 – Chef Shelby Schiller and Chef Barb Smythe; Friday, Feb. 20 – Chef Marc Rathpoller and Sous Chef Doug Wagner.
Semi-final match-ups
Monday, Feb. 23 – Chef Kathy Morey and TBD; Friday, Feb. 27 — TBD and TBD.
Location for elimination events, including semi-finals: the Salvation Army soup kitchen, 533 Slater Road NW, Cranbrook. Competition will run 10 a.m. to noon. Lunch served at noon. Winner announced 12:30 p.m.
Lead image: Salvation Army chef Kathy Morey.
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