by Gene Marrano
A sellout crowd of 400 paid up to $30 in order to sample soups from 16 eateries and kitchens last Sunday. It was “Souper Bowl II,” a benefit for the Rescue Mission of Roanoke and RAM House. Held in the Taubman Museum of Art atrium, it was actually the first Souper Bowl – last year’s inaugural event was snowed out. Patrons took home handcrafted soup bowls donated by area potters. 2nd Helpings Café, Metro!, Local Roots, Rockfish, Flanary’s and the Happy Belly Deli were among the local restaurants that entered soups in a People’s Choice contest. The Regency Room at Hotel Roanoke had the most votes for “She-crab soup.” Above: Local Roots owner Diane Elliott serves up a smile with her sweet potato soup topped with ricotta, molasses and walnuts.
