Silver Ladle handed out at the 2018 Penticton Soupateria Souperbowl

Chef Chris Garvey claimed the Silver Ladle at the 2018 Soupateria Souperbowl.

Garvey, the instructor for Penticton Secondary’s Culinary Arts program won the final round Sunday, putting his Cheeseburger Chowder up against a Beef Brisket Noodle soup from fellow semi-finalist, Chef Donnie Carlson of Bad Tattoo Brewery.

Carlson is a former student of Garvey’s, as was his first round competition, Chef Alexa Warner from BRODO Kitchen, so no matter the outcome, Garvey would have been in on the win.

Related: Chefs square off at the Soupateria

“I’m amazed sometimes when I find out where some of the kids are and what they are doing. Going into this I didn’t know what I wanted to happen,” said Garvey, explaining that he wasn’t sure how it would feel to win over his former students.

“It was fun though. Having known them and seeing how they turned out and what they are doing with their lives, it was a great experience.”

Though it is a friendly competition, which also included Chef David Stern of Theos in Round 2, is a fun event, Soupateria volunteer Wayne McDougall said the focus is on the diners who come to the soup kitchen in need of a meal.

Related: Another tight finish at the Penticton Souperbowl

The diners, McDougall said, vote for the winning soups, and appreciate that there is something a little special happening for them.

“That’s why we do it. We are down there for the people that are hungry. It’s going to be something a little different, it’s maybe something they’ve never tasted before and they get a chance to vote on what is the best soup,” said McDougall.

“It is heartwarming to know that you have provided a healthy, nutritious lunch for people. Sometimes it is the only hot meal they have for the day.”

Garvey said it was fantastic to participate in the event and see the diners enjoying the hearty and filling soups.

He said his students, who were volunteering as helpers, and who made a vegetarian soup for those that wanted it, also got to see that.

He understands that both of the volunteers are planning to come back and continue to help.

“They’re making an arrangement of some kind so they can come back and contribute,” said Garvey.

“They really enjoyed participating and they really enjoyed the whole idea of what people were doing there. It was a good exposure for everybody.”