Vancouver, BC, March 31, 2025 - For its spring tasting menu, (3593 Main Street) is further deepening its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing with the launch of Green – executive chef Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson’s latest evolution of his tasting menu series. Available now until June 19, 2025, the menu celebrates renewal, the vibrancy of spring ingredients, and the mother flavours of elderflower, rose, mushroom, seaweed, pine, and currant that have guided the menu since inception. Reservations are available now .

“Since the very beginning, Published on Main’s cooking philosophy has always been to highlight the abundance of fresh, local ingredients that can be found right here in B.C. and Canada,” says Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson, executive chef, Published on Main. “For me, Green is a celebration of the green things that spring signifies. After months of sunchokes, cabbage, kale, beets and potatoes, we are so thrilled to start seeing young tender green shoots, stinging nettles, mountain vegetables, and all the other harbingers of spring.”

Published on Main’s Green tasting menu, created by Stieffenhofer-Brandson and chef de cuisine Nolan Hennenfent, is guided by their six mother flavours – elderflower, rose, mushroom, seaweed, pine, and currant – each playing a defining role in the dishes and now the cocktail program. The 11-course dining journey begins with a presentation of snacks, followed by dishes such as: BC Dungeness Crab served in a crab shell with poached asparagus, and sunomomo dressing; Last Year’s Morels with stuffed morels, fresh shoots, and truffle jus; and Spring Lamb with spring shoots, sweet onion puree, and cinzano lamb jus.

For this menu, Published on Main has sourced ingredients, produce, and proteins from locals such as (kelp), (nettle), (radish), (green garlic), and (Haidacore albacore tuna; crab). Elderflower and morels were personally foraged by Stieffenhofer-Brandson and his team last year.

Guests looking to enhance their dining experience are invited to enjoy a special beverage pairing, exclusively curated by wine director Jayton Paul and beverage director Joe Casson, which features wines, sakes, cocktails inspired by the Green tasting menu, and non-alcoholic drinks.

“Each new menu is an opportunity to refine our approach and further elevate the dining experience at Published. We want to connect guests even more closely to the food on their plate,” adds Aaron Sayomac, general manager, Published on Main.

Published on Main is open seven days a week, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations are available online for both its a la carte menu and tasting menu at . Select seats are reserved for walk-ins each day.

CALGARY, AB, March 31, 2025 /CNW/ - Western Canadian restaurant franchise Original Joe's (OJ's) is giving its customers a chance to win a $25,000 prize this spring. The brand, which has been serving Canadian communities for over 25 years, is inviting guests to share their fondest memories at OJ's on social media or through a submission form on the website to be entered to win.

"At OJ's, we're consistent, we're reliable, and we're here for Canadians. We know Canadians are facing a lot of economic uncertainty right now, that's why we're giving back to the customers who have supported us from the start with this contest," says Adam Powell, VP of Operations & Brand Leader, Original Joe's.

From March 31 to May 11, OJ's regulars can post a memory, photo or video on their socials and tag @OriginalJoes to be automatically entered to win $25,000. Longer form entries will also be accepted through an online submission form. The winner will be chosen by random draw at the contest's close.

OJ's has deep roots in Western Canada—the first restaurant opened in Calgary, Alberta in March 1998, and since then, the brand has grown to include 50 locations across Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. The brand is now majority owned by Canadian brand Recipe Unlimited, with OJ's corporate head office remaining in Calgary.

"OJ's has been that 'down to earth and down the street' spot for so many Canadians for 25 years and counting, and this contest is our way of thanking them for choosing to share their time with us," says Darren Weekes, Director of Operations, Original Joe's. "Post game pints, casual first dates, or just a random Tuesday night: we want to hear what OJ's has meant to you over the years." 

The restaurant is known for its good-time atmosphere, great eats, reliable experience, and most famously, the "two sides" you receive with your handhelds and burgers. OJ's keeps things affordable for their guests with their twice daily happy hours, featuring an all-new "under $10" happy hour menu, as well as a "Daily Deals" menu, featuring food and drink deals for every single day of the week.

To learn more about Original Joe's, visit

LANGFORD, BC, March 28, 2025 /CNW/ - Ramen Arashi, the beloved ramen shop that has taken Victoria by storm, is expanding to Langford, bringing authentic, soul-warming Japanese ramen to the heart of the West Shore. As the first and only dedicated ramen shop in the area, Ramen Arashi Langford will provide a much-anticipated local destination for ramen lovers, athletes, families, and food enthusiasts alike.

Answering the Call for Ramen in the West Shore

"For years, we've welcomed guests from Langford at our Victoria location. Again and again, they told us the same thing: 'We need a Ramen Arashi in the West Shore.' We listened," said co-owner Allan Nichols. "With Langford's incredible growth and the city's vibrant community, opening our next location here was an obvious choice."

Ramen Arashi Langford marks the sixth location in the growing Ramen Arashi family and is owned and operated by Yuko and Allan, who also run the Victoria store. The new location will feature the same beloved menu as Victoria but will be nearly double the size, offering more seating and an enhanced dining experience while staying true to the brand's roots.

Bringing True Japanese Ramen to Langford

While many North American ramen shops target a younger, trendier crowd, Ramen Arashi remains committed to ramen's true origins: a blue-collar, everyday meal that is quick, satisfying, and loved by all. In Japan, ramen is a staple for families, workers, and students—a comforting and accessible dish for people of all ages. That same philosophy is at the heart of Ramen Arashi's expansion to Langford.

"With the YMCA next door, a mountain bike course just minutes away, BoulderHouse climbing gym within walking distance, and rugby pitches, Pacific FC's home stadium, an ice rink, and a bowling alley all nearby, Ramen Arashi Langford is perfectly positioned to fuel hungry athletes, spectators, and active families," said Yuko. "We look forward to serving the West Shore community with the same warm hospitality that has made our Victoria location such a success."

A Brand with Deep Roots and a Growing Future

Ramen Arashi's story began in Banff eight years ago when founders Kentaro and Yuji, two Japanese chefs, set out to share their passion for authentic ramen with Canada. Allan had worked with both Kentaro and Yuji over 30 years ago, and through that longstanding friendship—and Allan and Yuko's extensive hospitality experience—the Victoria location was born. Its overwhelming popularity, with wait times often exceeding an hour, made it clear that expansion was necessary.

"Guests from further north on Vancouver Island and even from mainland communities have told us they would love to see Ramen Arashi in their cities," Allan added. "While there are no immediate expansion plans, we are always looking for the right opportunities."

Creating Jobs & A Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere

Ramen Arashi Langford will bring over 40 new jobs to the community, hiring both part-time and full-time positions, including managers, servers, and kitchen staff. The restaurant is looking for individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment, love ramen, and embody the spirit of Japanese hospitality. Staff training includes not only food preparation but also key language skills to enhance the authentic ramen experience.

The Langford location will maintain the same cozy, welcoming aesthetic as the Victoria store, featuring warm wood, family-style bench seating, and an expanded bar seating area. The space will be more than double the size of the Victoria restaurant, ensuring more guests can enjoy Ramen Arashi's signature bowls without the long wait times.

Stay Updated on the Grand Opening

Ramen Arashi Langford's official opening date is yet to be announced, but guests can stay up to date by following @ramenarashivictoria on Instagram. The restaurant is currently focused on hiring and preparing for what is sure to be a highly anticipated opening. While delivery services will not be available initially, guests are encouraged to dine in and experience the full atmosphere of Japan's beloved comfort food.

TORONTO, March 27, 2025 /CNW/ - Over the years, WORLD CLASS CANADA has supported, mentored, and celebrated the artistry of bartenders across the country, driving innovation and excellence in the industry. Yesterday, in Collingwood, Ontario, WORLD CLASS CANADA crowned Kate Chernoff as the WORLD CLASS Canada Bartender of the Year 2025. After demonstrating her bartending expertise in seven unique challenges across a three-day competition, Kate Chernoff from Keefer Bar in Vancouver proved that her style of creativity behind the bar set her apart in the final stages of the competition. Keegan McGregor of The Highwayman in Halifax, Nova Scotia—last year's Canadian and Global winner—was on hand to proudly pass the title to Kate Chernoff, who will represent Canada at the WORLD CLASS Global competition in Toronto, Canada, this September.

"Winning the title of WORLD CLASS Canada Bartender of the Year is an incredible honour, and I'm beyond grateful to stand alongside such talented and inspiring bartenders from across the country," said Kate Chernoff, WORLD CLASS CANADA Bartender of the Year 2025. "This experience has challenged me to elevate my creativity, technique, and hospitality, and I'm excited to represent Canada on the world stage in September in Canada."

Diageo's WORLD CLASS challenges are crafted to showcase the five key characteristics it takes to be a WORLD CLASS bartender: hosting, craft, flavour analysis, knowledge, and WORLD CLASS advocacy. With each challenge, judges are not just looking for a beautiful cocktail but also a masterful display of storytelling that embodies these five pillars.

"WORLD CLASS celebrates innovation, craftsmanship, and the extraordinary talent that shapes the global bartending community. Every year, we are thrilled to contribute to the evolution of cocktail culture and hospitality in Canada, creating memorable experiences for guests," said Michael Armistead, Diageo Canada's National Reserve and Sponsorship Manager. "Congratulations to Kate Chernoff, our 2025 winner! Her passion, creativity, and technical expertise truly impressed our judges, and we can't wait to support her as she represents Canada at the global final in Toronto this September."

Inspired by the latest industry trends, each challenge requires the use of specific spirits in the Diageo portfolio and is designed to showcase different skills in a bartender's toolkit. Challenges featured spirits from the Diageo Reserve portfolio, including Don Julio Tequila, Ketel One Vodka, Tanqueray No. Ten and Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky. Some of this year's activities included Winter is Here, designed to showcase versatility, this challenge tasked bartenders with creating two serves—one hot and one cold—that balanced flavour, technique, and storytelling across temperature extremes. A Sense of Place challenged bartenders to craft a unique cocktail inspired by Canada's vibrant hospitality scene. This challenge invited participants to showcase their creativity by blending national pride with storytelling and distinctive flavours, reflecting the essence of Canada in every sip.

When experimenting with your own mixology skills or enjoying award-winning cocktails from your favourite local bartender, WORLD CLASS CANADA reminds you to drink responsibly.

For additional information about the program, and for details on the upcoming global competition, follow @WorldClassCa on Twitter, @WorldClassCanada on Instagram, use the hashtag #WorldClass and visit Facebook.com/WorldClassCanada.