The Soup Contest at Nine and Dine on the green at the Eagle Grove Golf Course on Sunday night was a popular event. Which was helped a little by the fact that the Buffalo Bills were playing their scheduled Dec. 12th game against the Buccaneers.
Owner Tyler Hathaway was pleased with the success of the evening. “It’s fun. It’s been real good,” Hathaway said, of the various contests he holds at the restaurant and bar. Pointing out that they can’t very well cater to golfers through the winter, Hathaway explained that the contests which he tries to hold once a month are a fun activity that people seem to enjoy.
Hathaway opened the restaurant and bar just under seven years ago. This is the fourth year he’s been holding these contests. Every year they hold a chili cook off, the soup contest, a best bacon contest, and a best dip contest. Usually, the events are held about a month apart. With a break for the superbowl, which is a big event at the Nine and Dine in it’s own right.
“I was a chef in various restaurants for 22 years,” Hathaway said, explaining that he had just grown tired of the pretentiousness of it. “I think a lot of chefs start out like I did, trying to earn their Michelin star, and then just get caught up in the work. But eventually, you want to do something different. Food can be good, and it doesn’t have to be so pretentious.”
That attitude might surprise many locals who still haven’t been to the Nine and Dine, given it’s address. As many people might assume that the Country Club restaurant is a bit more of a dress up affair. Or for members only.
“We’re open to the public,” Hathway said. “Everybody loves the food. And we’re always trying to do something fun.”
Hathway held out high hopes for future contests, and for the future of the restaurant. His one concern was that many locals might still not know about them. “We’re way out here, outside of town. Off the road. Not a lot of people see us just passing by.”
This year’s winner was Sylvia Reed of Eagle Grove. Born in Germany, Sylvia brought the old family recipe for her now officially award winning Ham and Bean soup with her from the old country, when she moved to America in 1984. Those wishing to sample some should watch the menu at Pinz bowling alley, where Reed works. “Sometimes I make it for work,” Reed said. “It’s always a big hit.”
