Beat the Winter Blues and Support Local with the Uptown Comfort Food Crawl

by | Jan 19, 2023 | News Releases

  • 10th Chili Cook-Off, 3rd Mac and Cheese Challenge, 2nd Soup Showdown
  • In person event returns with celebrity judges
  • All proceeds to charity

January 19, 2023 – WATERLOO, ON – Nothing helps to beat those winter blues like comfort food! Back in person is the Uptown Comfort Food Crawl and you’re invited!

Happening during the Winterloo Festival on Saturday, January 28th, 2023’s Food Crawl runs from noon until 4:00 p.m. Three Uptown venues are playing host to three deliciously different comfort food competitions: the 10th Chili Cook-off located at Revive Game Bar (live music onsite), 3rd Mac and Cheese Challenge at Kentucky Bourbon & BBQ and 2nd Soup Showdown at Prohibition Warehouse. Ready for sampling are 12 tasty culinary options concocted by several Uptown and locally owned restaurants.

“It’s a scrumptious return to a fun afternoon where Uptown restaurants and local vendors compete for the coveted People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice awards,” shares Tracy Van Kalsbeek, Executive Director of the Uptown Waterloo BIA. “Everyone and anyone is invited to attend – the tickets to sample offerings at all three venues are only $10 with proceeds going to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.” Tickets are on sale HERE or can be purchased at the three venues on the day of the event.

During the crawl, ticket purchasers vote for their favourite food offerings. Each vote is an entry into a draw to win one of three Uptown Dollar prizes of $100, $50 or $25.

This year’s comfort food competitors include: Abe Erb Brewing Company, Duke of Wellington, Kentucky Bourbon & BBQ, Sole Restaurant, Revive Game Bar, Prohibition Warehouse, Ethels, Bodega Rose Café (new to Uptown), Little Mushroom Catering, Charcuterie Bar by Fat Sparrow and The Nomad Chef.

Joining the BIA as celebrity judges this year are: Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe, CBC K-W Food Columnist Andrew Coppolino, BOUNCE Radio Hosts Angie & Sarge, Virgin Radio Host Rae Kelly and Gourmet Food Expert Dana Shortt.

Awards will be announced during the Uptown Comfort Food Crawl After Party starting at 4:30 p.m. at Revive Game Bar. Food crawl ticket proof is required to attend.

“Only 500 tickets are available for the Food Crawl and this event is known for selling out – get your tickets soon,” adds Ms. Van Kalsbeek. “May the yummiest comfort food creations win!” Check out Uptown Waterloo and Food Bank socials for ticket links or visit: https://www.thefoodbank.ca/comfortfoodcrawl/

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