SoupFest Records Third Straight Sellout
Jenny Levison’s Golden Ladle prize and “soup chefs” turned out for a good cause.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Soupaholics lined up to slurp some of the city’s most delish and creative ample samples at Souper Jenny’s annual Soupfest. Restaurateur, author, actress and uber adventurer, Jenny Levison, told the AJT, “This is our third event, and we sold out at 300. Twenty soups, two bands. Most importantly, we raised $10,000 for our Zadie Project,” in memory of dad Jarvis Levison.
The event was held outdoors at noon on Sunday, Feb. 23, where local actress and voice coach Courtenay Collins, who helped orchestrate the raffle, said, “I don’t know how she does it, but Jenny always manages to have good weather for outdoor events!” Last year, the event was held the second week in March.
A super cadre of friends pitched in to greet and serve. Missi Harnell Wolf, who ladled for Souper Jenny’s three soup offerings — Spanish Lentil, West African Peanut, and Dad’s Turkey Chili — explained, “I’m here doing whatever Jenny tells me to … note that Jenny’s own soups are not competing in the Best Soup/Golden Ladle contest.”
Live music blasted in the background with line dance classes on the parking lot and spacious rows of gardens at Souper Jenny’s Westside on Huff Road. In addition to soup, beer, and bread, desserts were also on the menu. Admission was $35 per ticket with proceeds benefitting The Zadie Project.
First-time participant Julia Kesler Imerman of Daily Chew, an all-day café and catering company specializing in Jewish South African cuisine, served a brilliant scarlet vegan beet borscht.
She said, “We brought 24 quarts, about six gallons of soup. This recipe is made from local beets which makes it very special.”
Her husband, Nicholas Imerman, and dad, Steve Kesler, were on hand to assist and greet. Another popular soup table was Chef Sean, whose regular gig is food consultant and head of Atlanta Guy’s Dinner Group, which supports nonprofits including the Zadie Project, who served vegan Pumpkin Coconut soup served with lime juice, cilantro, and spiced cashews. The Israeli Brisket soup was also a popular table.
Jews are particularly vocal and talented when it comes to evaluating food. Dyan Duff, who came from Henry County, said, “My favorites today were the Sweet Potato Chowder, the Pazolli and the Daily Chew’s Beet Borscht. I’m a huge fan of Jenny, her cookbooks, salads and especially the location in the Atlanta History Center.”
Randi Stillman lives in Avondale and frequents the Souper Jenny Decatur location. Quentin Kromirs preferred the Vietnamese Beef soup, while Michelle Teyf voted for the thick Pumpkin Coconut.
Roswell native Jason Shippell, an aeronautical safety executive, performed guitar in the band Non Prophets, then mingled in the crowd. He said, “This is a fun event, and this is the first time I knew about it.”
On the senior side, Arthur Katz, who is the state tennis champion for the 80-plus singles division, chose the Italian Wedding Soup and the Israeli Brisket while his wife only sampled vegetarian soups.
Robin Jacobs’ Spicy Black Bean soup won the first place Golden Ladle Award. Calvin Rouse (Vietnamese Beef soup) came in second, and returning champ, Sean Palani, came in third for his Thai Coconut Pumpkin.
Keith Yaeger, director of Souper Jenny Operations, summarized, “This is our third SoupFest, and I had more meaningful, caring conversations about food insecurity issues and the positives that The Zadie Project is doing than ever before. This made me happy and proud. My big takeaway for this year is that we raised enough money to provide 5,000 fresh healthy meals for children, families and senior citizens facing food insecurity issues in our community.”
The Zadie Project (Zadie is Yiddish for “grandfather”) is a nonprofit that feeds the hungry –so named for Jenny’s late father who motivated her to cook and give back to the community. His original Turkey Chili recipe was among the favorites that day and also at the Souper Jenny locations.
Changing to her thespian hat, Jenny Levison will star in, “Love Letters,” along with Mitchell Anderson under the direction of Courtenay Collins, opening the first week in April at the Synchronicity Theatre.
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