February 04, 2025 – 3:08 PM Submitted News, Quinte

Belleville’s most anticipated winter soup-tasting contest, the 21st annual Savour the Chill, is back on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Downtown Belleville.

The Downtown District will transform into a haven of warmth and flavour as 19 downtown Belleville restaurants serve up their best soups in a friendly competition for the People’s Choice Award, determined by event-goers, and the Judges’ Choice Award, selected by a panel of expert tasters.

This event invites the public to bundle up, stroll through the Downtown District, and sample a variety of mouthwatering soups worth $3 per cup (until supplies last).

This year’s lineup features an exciting mix of classic comfort foods and bold, innovative flavors, including two first-time participants: Benji’s Coffee Bar and Pho Blue Basil.

Here’s a list of participating restaurants and their signature soups:

BayLeaf – Five Lentils Vegetable Soup (Vegan/Vegetarian)
Belle Pub – Paz’s Barley Soup (Vegetarian)
Belleville’s House of Prayer – The Great Canadian Chowder (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Benji’s Coffee Bar – Creamy Chicken Stew
Bourbon Street – Tomato Basil Bisque
Burger Revolution – Roasted Apple & Butternut Squash (Vegetarian)
Capers – Smoked Red Pepper Cream with Brie Crisps (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free)
Frosty Bubble Bliss – South Indian Rasam Soup (Gluten-Friendly)
Gourmet Diem – Beef Vegetable Barley
L’Auberge de France – Basil Ratatouille Provençale (Vegetarian)
Obi’s Kitchen – Loaded Potato Soup with Smoked Bacon
Paulo’s & Dinkels Restaurant – Potato Cream Bacon Soup
Pho Blue Basil – Vietnamese Beef Pho
Sans Souci – Asian-Style Honey Garlic Chicken Wing Soup
The Kafana – Mercimek-Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Vegetarian)(Vegan if requested)
The Lark – Italian Wedding Soup
The Smokin’ 116 Bistro – Dill Pickle Soup
Tropical Blends – Good ol’ Tomato Soup
UpFront Cafe – Potato Bacon Soup

With such a diverse and delectable lineup, there’s a soup for every taste preference. Whether you crave a hearty beef barley, a creamy classic, or a unique twist like a dill pickle soup, Savour the Chill has something to satisfy your winter cravings.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own spoon and carry cash to pay for the soups, although most restaurants will have alternate methods of payment.

“Savour the Chill is one of our favourite events of the year, bringing the community together to celebrate incredible local cuisine in the heart of Downtown Belleville,” said Danielle Hanoman, Executive Director of Belleville Downtown District DBIA.

“This year’s lineup is more exciting than ever, with returning favourites and new restaurants adding their own unique twist to the competition. We can’t wait to see everyone come out, explore downtown, and enjoy some fantastic soups!”

No matter what the weather brings, this heartwarming event promises delicious flavours, great company, and unforgettable memories.

Make sure to pop in and discover the many retail shops and unique attractions throughout the Downtown District while enjoying your soup.

For the latest updates, visit DowntownBelleville.ca.