Sewickley's First Soup Crawl Brings Signature Tastings on St. Patrick's Day

Whether it's a creamy bisque, a light lentil, or a hearty minestrone, everyone loves a great soup. 

So what better way to celebrate one of the greatest comfort foods than by sipping and slurping several variations of culinary concoctions all in one day?

The inaugural Sewickley Soup Crawl on Saturday, March 17, promises to bring ladles of soups for area foodies to taste and savor in the village of Sewickley.

Linda Pell, chairwoman of the crawl, said the child-friendly event offers families a wholesome alternative to the bar-hopping scene that traditionally takes place on St. Patrick's Day.

'A good cause'

Proceeds from the event go to support the .

“It’s for a really good cause and I think it’s going to be really fun,” Pell said.

About 20 restaurants and businesses are slated to prepare signature soups that will be served in participating retailers. 

Participating businesses include , , , , , , , , , , ,  and . 

For a $10 donation plus one canned good, will receive a ballot and a map to help guide them through the village as they stroll from place to place sampling soups. After visiting retailers, soup-tasters will use the ballot to vote for their favorites.

Pell has soup crawl experience. She's participated in the South Side Soup Crawl in years past, as a visitor, and most recently worked at the annual event for Yo Rita’s, winner of the best soup for the past three years.

Pell said this year's winning soup was a curry-seasoned winter squash soup with smoked apples on the bottom and crushed pistachios on top.

'Something that included children'

Pell imagined having a similar event in Sewickley, believing it would work well because of the condensed business district. About six months ago, Pell mentioned her idea to Jennifer Markus and Kirsten Stripay, who were receptive to her suggestion.

“We have so many things geared toward adults – the , the – we needed something that included children as well,” Pell said.

The crawl takes place on a Saturday afternoon, rather than in the evening, and includes a special treasure hunt for the children.

Kids can participate in the free "Lucky Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt," while parents have the opportunity to taste gourmet soups. If your child is a foodie, and is able to taste and vote on more than 15 soups, feel free to purchase an extra ticket.

Cooks are also invited to participate in the first Best Sewickley “Souper” Cook contest. Residents can enter their best homemade soup for a chance to win the "SouperCook" title.

"The winner will also receive a prize," Markus said.

A panel of celebrity judges will sample the homemade soups before picking their favorite.  

Judges include Christina French, editor of Table Magazine, Roger Li, head chef of  Restaurant, and his sous chef Christina, Sewickley residents and , and Bill Welge of , Sewickley Heights.

If you go:

Sewickley Soup Crawl

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 17

Where: Starts at Wolcott Park

Price: $10 plus a canned good. Registration is limited. Crawl participants are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance by using a PayPal account. Click here to purchase tickets or visit  exploresewickley.com/event/sewickley-soup-crawl/

“Souper” Cook Contest

 Bring your best pot of soup, enough for at least seven people to sample.

When:Soups must be delivered by 2:15 p.m. Judging begins at 2:30 p.m. Winner of the "Best Sewickley Souper" will be announced at 3 p.m.

Where: Registration at Wolcott Park.

Price: $10 entry fee. Visit www.exploresewickley.com or email info@vgpsewickley.com for more information.