Nobody wants to talk about the economy anymore. Unless your name is Ray Allen, KG or Paul Pierce, you’re not feeling or seeing the green. My plan for the weekend is to drown my money woes, not in beer, but in soup. From buffalo chicken to sweet potato chorizo, the North Bowl Soup Competition at Winterfest in Lowell showcases local chefs at their creative best. Tomorrow from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Masonic Temple all Soup Nazis report. As ladles go into overdrive, fest-goers can sample Mediterranean Irish stew from the Blue Shamrock, sweet Italian sausage soup from Rosie’s Cafe, chicken and sausage gumbo from Hookslide Kelly’s, sweet potato chorizo from Cobblestones and steak bomb soup (props for the name) from French’s Restaurant to mention a mere few. With 16 bistros duking it out for king crock, that’s a lot o soup to slurp. What’s your strategy for taking this on? Zero in on a few and hit them repeatedly or take pulls from each pot? I’m thinking the latter. You’ll know after one sip to toss back or toss out.
I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to the progressive dinner and jazz fest in DTL tonight. From 6 to 10 places like the Blue Taleh, Centro, Athenian Corner and Ricardos dish out entrees, apps and dessert as you pop from place to place. Start at C’est, Merrimack St. for a map and dets. Stay warm and support your city. Return here to submit reviews on both foodie events this weekend. See ya ‘round the snow banks.