Serving Up Souper Bowl 2025

Taste buds and tummies will soon be warmed and satisfied by the creations of Marco restaurants at Souper Bowl 2025.  

The annual event is a fundraiser for the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce and its Leadership Marco Scholarship Fund, which benefits the island’s graduating high school seniors who are moving on to higher education.  

Set for February 8 at Mackle Park, the Souper Bowl offers attendees the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind ceramic bowls they can fill with sumptuous soups prepared and donated by Marco eateries. The bowls are hand-crafted and painted by the island’s school children, as well as community members.  

The event is held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  

Insight into this year’s soup recipes and more were shared by four of the participating restaurants in the January 16 issue of the Coastal Breeze. Below are responses from two additional restaurants taking part in Souper Bowl 2025. These six respondents will be joined by three restaurants owned by the Phelan Group: Deep Lagoon Seafood and Oyster House, Pinchers Crab Shack, and CJ's on the Bay. 

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort -Chefs Tani Coronado and Alex Murphy           

When did your restaurant open: The hotel became a JW property on January 1, 2017. The hotel was known previously as the Marco Island Marriott before receiving its luxury brand title. The restaurants on property have been rebranded and reconfigured since then, now offering eight different cuisines. 

How would you describe the restaurants on property: At the JW we have multiple restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating. You can enjoy the beach breeze at our Polynesian Restaurant, Kane, or jump to the other side of the property and enjoy the outdoor experience of Quinn’s and our staple coastal seafood and tacos. We have fine dining options, such as our signature steakhouse, Ario, where you can indulge in our in-house, dry aging steak program, or venture up to the fifth-floor rooftop for an adults-only, Mediterranean experience at Tesoro. You can also enjoy a variety of bourbons, beers, and gastro pub style foods in our in-house arcade, 10K Alley; freshly rolled sushi in our lobby bar, Korals, as well as our house-made, Roman-style pizza in Mosaico. We have everything your taste buds could possibly need in the setting of paradise. 

Why take part in the Souper Bowl: This event has been a long-standing tradition in the community and for the JW Marriott.  I have taken the chance to be a part of this event, as I love the idea of supporting and investing in future generations and community relationships for my growth and the property’s recognition.  

Why are such events important to the community: The Souper Bowl is important because it generates community fellowship and supports the scholarship fund for local students moving on to higher education. Nothing is better than enjoying art and culinary delights while supporting this honorable cause. 

Can you provide information on your soup’s ingredients:  The soup I will prepare is a mix of a southern staple, with a touch of my Peruvian background. My chicken collard greens and lentil soup's secret lies in the homemade chicken stock and the Aji Amarillo sofrito. By roasting off the bones, mirepoix, and adding aromatics such as pink peppercorn, thyme, fennel and bay leaf, I obtained a flavorful and rich soup. This soup is not only flavorful but also very nutritious. Lentils and collard greens are an excellent source of A, B, and C vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. They’re also a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. I recommend taking the soup by itself at first and with a touch of fresh lime juice afterward. 

What makes your restaurant stand out: Not many places offer a culinary experience from all around the world. But what sets us apart is that at the JW we offer eight different kinds of cuisine, where guests can choose and enjoy a great dining experience all in one place. 

What are your favorite dishes on the menu: I love sushi. The moment you enter the hotel by the lobby you will find Korals as your first option, where the Marco Roll is my favorite, along with the Pink Lady. Walk down the stairs and head out by the beach and poolside, and you will find Quinn's, Kane, and Mosaico, where the grouper sandwich, shrimp po boy, bulgogi scallion pancake, honey sriracha wings, That NY Deli Sandwich and the four-cheese pizza are a must try!!! Another great recommendation is Tesoro and 10K, located on the fifth-floor rooftop, where my personal favorites are Moroccan chicken, the Mezze board and the smoked brisket sandwich. Lastly, you should stop by Ario, our signature steakhouse, and try out our American Wagyu NY Strip, and the Ribeye, Cowgirl, and Tomahawk from our dry aging steak program, along with our great selection of seafood dish options. 

What are your hours and days of operation: While our beautiful hotel is open 24-7, our restaurant operational hours range. To see all operational hours, you may visit our “Paradise Planner” at jwmarcoparadiseplanner.com.

Island Country Club: A Tradition of Excellence and Flavor on Marco Island 

When did your restaurant open: A: Island Country Club on Marco Island has a rich history. Founded in 1966 by the Deltona Corporation, it was designed by the renowned architect Dave Wallace. Over the years, the club has continued to evolve, transitioning from a semi-private course to a fully private one in 1986, always striving to meet the highest standards. A major redesign in 1991, with input from golf legend Gene Sarazen, helped take the course to the next level. Then, in 2017, to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the course underwent a complete renovation led by architect Kipp Schulties, further enhancing its reputation as both a beautiful and challenging layout. 

Beyond golf, Island Country Club is home to a vibrant community and a range of exceptional amenities. Our top-notch tennis facilities, full-service wellness center, and diverse dining options cater to a variety of interests. The clubhouse, which is the heart of our community, received a dramatic renovation in 2023, featuring a sleek, modern design that enhances the overall member experience. 

How would you describe your restaurant: We offer two distinct dining experiences, each overlooking spectacular golf course views. Our traditional main dining room offers upscale cuisine, ideal for a more elevated dining experience. For a more casual atmosphere, the Double Eagle Bistro provides a welcoming setting where members can unwind and enjoy a relaxed meal with family and friends. 

Why do you take part in the Souper Bowl: At Island Country Club, we believe in fostering friendly competition while supporting local causes. Our members are passionate about philanthropy and dedicated to making a positive impact through various charitable initiatives and partnerships. With a long and rich history on Marco Island, we take pride in staying connected with the community and sharing our love for great food. 

What soup will you prepare for the Souper Bowl: We’ll be preparing Portuguese Kale Soup, a hearty and flavorful dish. 

Can you provide any information on the soup's ingredients: It's important that the sausage has a nice garlicky flavor, that the kale is cooked long enough to become tender and is properly trimmed to ensure the best texture and taste. 

What makes your restaurant stand out: We are the only 18-hole golf course on Marco Island and a members-only club offering golf, tennis, wellness, and social amenities. Our exclusivity, combined with a diverse range of offerings, sets us apart and provides a truly unique experience for our members. 

What are the chef’s favorite dishes on the menu: Our chef’s favorites include the grouper and shrimp ravioli and the berry beet salad. Both dishes are not only delicious but also highlight the fresh, vibrant flavors we’re proud to serve at the club.