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Restaurant receives the most votes during 7th annual event in Downtown Schenectady
SCHENECTADY, NY – January 28, 2023 – Downtown Schenectady’s streets and businesses were teeming with thousands of visitors today during the 7th Annual Schenectady Soup Stroll from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During the event organized by the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (DSIC), guests sampled an outstanding selection of soup recipes from 34 participating restaurants.
Those who sampled at least 10 soups were encouraged to cast votes for their favorite flavor at ballot boxes placed around downtown. After all ballots were counted following the event, the 2023 “Soup Stroll Souperstar” champion by popular vote was Simone’s Kitchen for their Creamy Tomato & Sweet Harissa Soup.
Jim Salengo, executive director of the DSIC, said, “The message is clear: People love soup and Downtown Schenectady! We couldn’t be happier with the overwhelming turnout and fantastic support for our restaurants today. The Soup Stroll is undoubtedly one of our most popular downtown events.” He added, “Today’s beautiful sunshine and above-average temperatures made it a perfect day to get out and socialize with friends and family.”
A panel of judges from the regional foodie community also voted on their favorite soups. They included Nellie Ackerman, FeedMe 518; Isabel Salamone, 518_FoodDate; and Corie Yodis, 518 Foodies/Yelp Elite. The top three judges’ picks were as follows:
- The 1st place “Golden Tureen” award went to Simone’s Kitchen for their Creamy Tomato & Sweet Harissa Soup.
- The 2nd place “Silver Spoon” award went to The Nest Restaurant and Bar for their Smoked Chicken Sweet Potato Chowder.
- The 3rd place “Bronze Ladle” award went to Centre Street Pub for their Buffalo Bills Chicken Wing Chowder.
Special judges’ category winners were:
- “Most Hearty” – Chez Nous for their Chicken & Sausage Gumbo.
- “Most Creative” – Katie O’Byrne’s for their Bangers & Mash Soup.
- “Best Presentation” – SUNY Schenectady Food Truck for their Tokyo Style Shoyu Ramen.
The 7th Annual Schenectady Soup Stroll was presented the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation in partnership with downtown restaurants. Next year’s edition of the Soup Stroll is slated for Saturday, January 27, 2024.
Save the date for 2023 Schenectady Restaurant Week, coordinated by the DSIC and Chamber of Schenectady County, from February 20-26.