‘Mardi Gras’ feast held at Trinity United Church on Shrove Tuesday

Written By MARNI WALSH

Soup Haus served up a delcious pile of pancakes and crepes Tuesday night at Trinity United Church in Shelburne. The “feast before the fast” observed the Christian tradition of Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday prior to Lent. Sohayla Smith of Soup Haus says the sweet flour based cuisine was enjoyed by approximately 45 hungry guests and volunteers alike.  

Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday or “Fat Tuesday” is the last opportunity to eat rich food before the fast of Lent begins. Mardi Gras or Carnival, most widely known for the elaborately costumed parades of New Orleans, derives from the Latin words “carne and vale,” essentially “meat farewell.”  Shrove Tuesday immediately precedes Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent,  and was considered the last day of “fat eating” in many Christian sects before the fasting period of Lent. 

“We had a Mardi Gras theme with bright feathers masquerade masks, bead necklaces, festive music, and pancakes and crepes with colourful and tasty options a plenty,” said Chef Smith of Tuesday night's culinary event. Not surprisingly, she said, “The most popular pancake topping request of the night was bacon-maple-strawberry pancakes.”

Ms. Smith said “Wonderful volunteers” from the local Shelburne church, Faith Believers Fellowship helped to serve the free community dinner. Casey White also assisted in the kitchen, helping to get the orders out much easier. Brenda Haines of Shelburne Transporter, a service partner and gold sponsor of Soup Haus, helped to welcome guests for the evening, along with the regular Soup Hause “serving team of awesome kids,” said Sohayla Smith.  

The Soup Haus supper “was by reservation,” said Ms. Smith, “as will be upcoming special themed holiday meals.” She says, “Reservations help us prepare enough food, purchase accurate quantities, and avoid waste.” To reserve, please contact Soup Haus the Sunday before any given Tuesday night free supper.  Weekly menus can be found at www.souphaus.ca.  Contact information: phone (519) 217-2151, email souphausrestaurant@gmail.com or on Facebook @souphausrestaurant. Soup Haus is always grateful for food and financial donations to continue their work of sharing in the community.