Schenectady’s Soup Stroll draws thousands, organizers say

PHOTOGRAPHER: Erica Miller

Soup Strollers Saturday in Schenectady

Newly-minted soup experts in Schenectady celebrated their victories on Sunday after Saturday’s Soup Stroll in downtown Schenectady.

According to a press release issued by the event’s organizers Saturday evening, the 4th annual Schenectady Soup Stroll drew thousands of attendees to the city’s downtown neighborhood on Saturday.

Event organizers could not be reached for comment on Sunday.

In total, 26 businesses participated, offering 3-ounce soup servings for $1 a piece.

The Stroll became a tradition four years ago when local restaurants were looking for a way to shake things up during the frigid weeks between the holidays and Schenectady’s restaurant week, which usually takes place in February.

Last year, the event was lauded as a way to entice people into downtown Schenectady who might not normally come to the area, and giving local businesses exposure.

The event, organized by the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation, asked participants who sampled at least 10 soups to vote for their favorite soup.

Second place went to 20 North Broadway Tavern for its Roasted Poblano Corn Chowder, and the first place “2019 Soup Stroll Souperstar” title went to 151 Bar & Restaurant for its Maryland Crab Chowder.

“Winner winner, soup for dinner! Thanks to all of you who voted for us! We will be serving our Maryland Crab Chowder the next week so everyone who missed out on today can enjoy the awesomeness that is this delicious creation of our Chef John Oleary!” 151 Bar & Restaurant posted to its Facebook page on Sunday.

20 North Broad Tavern also thanked people for their votes on Sunday.

“Thanks people! We appreciate it,” the restaurant said on its Facebook page.

In addition to the popular vote, a group of special guest judges from the Yelp Albany Elite Member community rated participating restaurants’ soup creations. Judges’ picks were:

Golden Tureen (1st Place): Mad Jack Brewing Co. @ The Van Dyck, Pale Potato Pancake Soup Infused w/Mad Jack Pale Ale
Silver Spoon (2nd Place): Aperitivo Bistro, Chicken Parmigiano Soup
Bronze Ladle (3rd Place): Ruggiero’s Pizza, Deli & Catering @ Jay St. Pub, Chicken & Sausage Gumbo

The city of Amsterdam on Saturday held its first citywide SoupFest from noon to 6 p.m. with about 20 businesses participating.

The event included a “soup shuttle” provided by the Sentinel of Amsterdam, Assisted Living Community. Other soup related events are approaching, including Saratoga Spring’s massive Chowderfest on Feb.2.

In 2018, Firestone 151 also took first place and was given the event’s Golden Tureen for its New England clam chowder. The Silver Spoon was awarded to Aperitivo Bistro for its portobello and white truffle zuppa, and the Bronze Ladle was given to Johnny’s for its lasagna soup.