Following a successful kick-off in Toronto, the Armstrong Cheese Truck is now making its way across Canada, bringing a bold, cheese-first experience to some of the country's busiest summer destinations. From the Maritimes to Vancouver, the truck is popping up in eight cities where Canadians gather all summer long, turning heads and serving up unforgettable comfort food.

Wrapped in Armstrong's iconic orange and topped with oversized melting cheese drips, the custom-built truck is designed to celebrate the brand's legendary cheese-pull before guests even reach the serving window. The larger-than-life design sets the stage for two exclusive menu items that flip familiar comfort foods on their head: The Cheese Grilled Sandwich and The Cheese & Mac. By putting cheese first, the playful names reinforce a simple truth: when the cheese tastes this good, it deserves top billing.

At every stop, visitors can enjoy the exclusive menu featuring Armstrong Medium Cheddar Cheese Slices in The Cheese Grilled Sandwich and Armstrong’s Triple Cheddar Shredded Cheese in The Cheese & Mac, while Armstrong High in Protein Cheese Sticks are available as complimentary samples, giving families another delicious way to enjoy The Cheese Canadians Crave.

Designed for cheese lovers of every age, the tour invites families to gather, grab lunch, enjoy an epic cheese pull and discover why Armstrong has remained a Canadian favourite for more than 120 years.

Tour dates and locations below.  Armstrong shares stories to their socials every day with the location of where the truck can be found at all stops. 

Toronto: July 21–August 1

Winnipeg: August 5, August 6

Regina: August 8

Calgary: August 12–14

Edmonton: August 15–16

Vancouver: August 19–23

Halifax: September 2–7

Saint John: September 9–13

VANCOUVER, B.C. — August 5, 2026 — One of Vancouver's most celebrated fine dining restaurants is entering an exciting new chapter. Today, Five Sails officially becomes Five Sails by Alex Kim, marking the evolution of the iconic waterfront restaurant under the leadership of award-winning chef Alex Kim as Chef-Partner and Co-Owner.

Since opening in 1986, Five Sails has earned its place as one of Vancouver's premier dining destinations. This next chapter reflects a renewed vision for the restaurant; one led by a chef whose culinary achievements have earned national recognition and whose passion for exceptional hospitality will shape every aspect of the guest experience.

Chef Alex Kim, formerly Culinary Director of Glowbal Restaurant Group, assumes full creative and operational leadership of Five Sails. As Chef-Partner and Co-Owner, he will oversee every facet of the restaurant, from menu development and kitchen operations to service, wine, and hospitality.

The transition has the full support of Glowbal Restaurant Group founders Emad Yacoub and Jack Lamont, who will continue as owners while stepping away from the day-to-day operations of Five Sails.

This new chapter represents a bold commitment to chef-driven fine dining, showcasing refined seasonal cuisine inspired by the landscapes and producers of British Columbia. Working closely with local farmers, fishers, foragers, and artisans, Chef Alex Kim will continue to create thoughtful tasting experiences rooted in British Columbia’s bounty.

"Five Sails has long been one of Vancouver's most iconic restaurants, and it's an incredible honour to become a partner in its future," says Alex Kim. "I'm excited to continue shaping an experience that reflects my culinary philosophy — in seasonality, curiosity, and genuine hospitality. Every dish and every guest experience will reflect that vision."

Chef Alex Kim was crowned the National Champion at the 2025 Canadian Culinary Championship in Ottawa, after winning both the Gold Medal and People’s Choice Award at the British Columbia regional competition. He also gained national recognition as one of the two finalists on Season 12 of Top Chef Canada, further establishing himself as one of Canada’s leading culinary talents.

As Five Sails by Alex Kim begins this new chapter, guests can expect an evolution of the restaurant’s culinary direction while continuing the hospitality and service that have defined Five Sails. The restaurant will also undergo thoughtful design updates.

The Five Sails team will remain unchanged, all existing reservations will be honoured, and previously issued Five Sails gift cards will continue to be accepted.

Five Sails by Alex Kim will continue to operate at the Pan Pacific Vancouver, 999 Canada Place. Reservations are available at info@fivesails.ca and by telephone at 604.844.2855.

VANCOUVER, BC (August 5, 2026) – Vancouver's premier live-fire culinary festival returns to Concord Pacific Place on Sunday, August 30, bringing together more than 60 of the region's top chefs, restaurants, cocktail bars, breweries, wineries and distilleries for an all-inclusive afternoon of exceptional food, drink and entertainment. Brewery & the Beast showcases exclusive festival dishes, premium beverages and live entertainment, all while celebrating the local farmers, ranchers and producers who make British Columbia's culinary scene one of the best in the world.

This year's lineup brings together some of Vancouver's most celebrated culinary talent, including Michelin-starred Published on Main, Michelin-recommended Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient Anh and Chi, and acclaimed restaurants such as Selene Aegean Bistro, Kavita, Casa Molina, PEYA and Violeté, alongside renowned producers including Two Rivers Meats and Basta Barbecue.

Guests will enjoy unlimited food and drink throughout the afternoon, from live-fire cooking and premium beverages to artisan desserts, locally roasted coffee and non-alcoholic offerings, creating a complete culinary experience that showcases the diversity and talent of British Columbia's food and beverage community. A complete list of participating presenters is available at breweryandthebeast.com.

"This is our fourth year partnering with Brewery & the Beast, and it just gets better every year," says Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson, Head Chef and Partner at Published on Main. "The festival gives us the opportunity to showcase what we do in a completely different setting while connecting directly with guests over great food. Watching people experience a dish you've created, right in front of you, is incredibly rewarding and one of the reasons we keep coming back."

Since launching in 2012, Brewery & the Beast has grown from a grassroots gathering into one of Canada's most anticipated culinary events. At its heart is a commitment to supporting local agriculture and responsible sourcing. Every protein served at the festival is 100% Canadian and sourced from producers who raise their animals ethically, responsibly and sustainably, reinforcing the festival's longstanding commitment to supporting local farms and ranches. The event is committed to impacting the community from a charitable aspect as well. Since inception, Brewery & the Beast has raised more than $200,000.00 for culinary scholarships, food security programs and mental health organizations. 

Beyondthe food, guests can enjoy cocktails, craft beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages from leading producers, alongside live music and DJs that create the signature festival atmosphere Brewery & the Beast has become known for.

"Everyyear we strive to create an experience that guests remember long after the final bite," says Scott Gurney, Director of 17 Black Events. "Our chefs, producers and beverage partners are what make Brewery & the Beast so special. Bringing together the incredible people who shape the local culinary community has always been at the vision of this event, and we're excited to welcome everyone back for what promises to be our greatest celebration yet."

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
1pm - 5pm: VIP Experience + Main Event
2pm - 5pm:Main Event
Location:Concord Pacific Plaza - 811 Carrall Street, Vancouver 

TICKETS

Tickets are moving fast, and available to purchase online at breweryandthebeast.com. 
General admission: $179.95 +GST
VIP: $299.95 +GST
Group rates are available by contacting tickets@17blackevents.com

Vancouver, B.C., July 29, 2026 – Botanist is excited to announce Amanda Healey as its new executive chef, leading a new chapter for the award-winning restaurant at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. With more than 20 years of international culinary experience and a career shaped by some of the world’s most celebrated kitchens, Healey returns to British Columbia with her continued love for seasonality, sustainability, and a deep commitment to celebrating regional ingredients.

Healey most recently served as sous chef at Oncore by Clare Smyth, which earned and maintained an unprecedented three Chef Hat rating (Australia’s highest culinary distinction) during its five-year tenure.

“We are pleased to welcome Amanda back to Vancouver and to lead the culinary team at Botanist,” says Jason Cisneros, executive manager, operations, Fairmont Pacific Rim. “As we look to the future of Botanist, we also want to recognize the incredible foundation chef Hector Laguna helped build over the past nine years since opening the restaurant. Amanda brings a fresh perspective to Botanist with her impressive global experience. We know she’ll honour these roots. We look forward to seeing what she creates this summer.”

Prior to Oncore, where she worked directly alongside Clare Smyth and executive chef Alan Stuart, she spent more than a year at Quay under Peter Gilmore, further refining her approach to contemporary fine dining and ingredient-driven cuisine. She also held the role of executive chef at Mount Mulligan Lodge, a luxury resort in Queensland, Australia, which was named one of the 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth by Robb Report in 2025. In Vancouver, Healey previously worked in several top kitchens, including Hawksworth Restaurant and farm-to-table destination Royal Dinette as head chef.

At Botanist, Healey will lead the culinary program with a focus on thoughtful local sourcing and storytelling through food – continuing the restaurant’s ethos of celebrating the best of the Pacific Northwest.

“I’ve been fortunate my entire career to have worked with some of the world’s most talented chefs, learn from them, and be inspired by their vision,” says Healey. “Vancouver is one of the most memorable places I’ve cooked because British Columbia offers such exceptional access to seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood. Returning to lead a restaurant like Botanist, which so deeply respects the West Coast, is an opportunity to reconnect with the region and create menus that reflect both my experience and the ingredients found here.”

Healey’s first new menu at Botanist, starting with dinner service, is now available. Highlights include a la carte offerings and a special summer tasting menu, featuring local producers and bakers such as Beaucoup Bakery, Hannah Brook Farm, Glorious Organics, Solstedt Organic, North Arm Farm, Rangeland Meats, and eatFish.ca.

For menus and more information, please visit botanistrestaurant.com