New England Country Soup Hosts a Southern Souper Battle

On Saturday, March 24, Southern soup lovers will compete for the chance to win the New England Country Soup Challenge. With the all-natural New England Country Soups available on Publix shelves, the Vermont-based creator of healthy, "tastes as good as homemade" soups has extended its Soup Challenge contest to the Southeast. The five regional finalists were chosen based on their original and family soup recipes, which they submitted online. This Saturday local souper-stars Jenny Levison of Souper Jenny and Chef Jim Gallivan of The Art Institute of Atlanta will help judge the 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. stockpot showdown at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Atlanta. The finalist who comes closest to matching the taste and nutrition of New England Country Soup offerings will win a foodie weekend getaway at The Hob Knob Eco Boutique Hotel on Martha's Vineyard. You do not want to miss out on this Southern Soup Showdown. This event is free and the aroma is certainly tempting. All you have to do is email info@soupchallenge.com to receive a free ticket that will hold your seat.

Setting Delicious Goals for 2011

We don't know who said it, but we do know that too often it's true:  a New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.  That's why we're impressed with the thoughtful and attainable resolutions set by some of our favorite Atlanta chefs and foodies.  Here's to your success!

• Gena Knox, author of "Southern My Way," has an organizational goal that may even be on your list (it's on ours)!  "One major resolution is to get organized at work and home.  Cleaning out my emails, closets and getting my kitchen organized will reduce my stress tremendously!  I also want to try a new recipe (that is not mine) twice a week -- exploring new flavors and cuisines I don't normally prepare at home."
• Claude Guillaume, general manager of Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse in Phipps Plaza, pledges "to run a half marathon by March 31, 2011."
• Kevin Gillespie, executive chef/partner of Woodfire Grill and "Top Chef" fame, has plans "to finally open Terminus City, my barbecue restaurant."  We're tying on our bibs and licking our fingers in anticipation!
• Gerry Klaskala, Aria owner and executive chef, aims to get fit.  "I need to get back down to six-pack abs."
• Jenny Levison of Souper Jenny keeps a finger in every pot and refuses to be tied to one resolution, vowing "to stretch as far outside the box as possible!"