Spin on Soupie for cause

Veteran five-star chef Tony Howell will swing by the Margaret River Soup Kitchen as part of Cabin Fever celebrations this year.

The Cape Lodge head chef will partner with the Soupie for a limited-ticket fundraiser on Wednesday, July 21.

Proceeds from the dinner, Pimp My Soup, will be invested back into the Community Centre service run by volunteers and vegan wizard Dave Seegar.

Howell said he would put his own spin on the Soupie’s regular offerings and looked forward to giving back to the community, though a big donation of lamb for the fundraiser probably meant at least one non-vegan option for regulars to sample.

“To be honest it is a privilege for myself and Cape Lodge to have the opportunity to work alongside Dave and all the vollies who have provided meals to the community for more than 25 years,” Mr Howell said.

“They have given so much, and I am over the moon to jump in and help out for the dinner, and hopefully get a few extra donations on the night from those who can afford to, and raise a bit of awareness that even in Margs we need this amazing venue to help out.”

Mr Seegar said the Soupie’s rear end needed renovations, with space under shade for spillover diners when the volunteer service was operating at peak summer volume.

Now in its 26th year, the Soupie welcomed additional donations of money and materials, Mr Seegar said.

Howell said the dishes on offer would complement the standard Soupie fare.

“The food on the night will be the sort of things everyone loves that Dave puts out, and a few extra goodies that we will bring along, all in a relaxed environment, for the guests to enjoy,” he said.

“We hope to see plenty of local faces on the night.”

The twice-weekly budget kitchen serves residents as well as visitors, and started when Mr Seegar realised “many people were in need of a good healthy meal for little money”.