Events

St. Kitts & Nevis Restaurant Week returns with celebrity line up

The St. Kitts Tourism Authority has announced the return of acclaimed chef, entrepreneur, television personality, and restaurateur, Nyesha Arrington, to the island for the annual St. Kitts & Nevis Restaurant Week.
 
Chef Nyesha will join Chef Stephen Marsham of national descent, who has cooked in some of the most sought-after restaurants in New York City, and a stellar line up of local chefs. The St. Kitts and Nevis Restaurant Week is scheduled for 17-27 July, and includes several signature events featuring culinary masterpieces from chefs across the twin Federation.
 
A familiar face in St. Kitts, Chef Nyesha Arrington previously served as Executive Chef at Spice Mill restaurant in 2010. Her culinary excellence has earned her several accolades including Eater LA’s Chef of the Year, and a spot on Zagat’s ‘30 Under 30’ list. Additionally, she has made television appearances across multiple networks, including Bravo’s Top Chef, Food Network’s Tournament of Champions, and currently FOX’s Next Level Chef. Most recently, Chef Nyesha hosted the James Beard Foundation Awards, was a featured chef at Chefs at Sea, and participated in Vivid Sydney, the largest public festival in the southern hemisphere.
 
“It is an honour to return to the vibrant island of St. Kitts for Restaurant Week,” said Arrington. “This island holds a special place in my heart and marks a full circle moment in my career to return and be part of this cultural culinary celebration. Food has a special way of connecting people, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to create meaningful culinary experiences with this community.”
 
Chef Stephen Marsham returns to his home nation from New York City, where he has established his culinary prowess at iconic establishments like Pastis, Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi and Wayan. Chef Stephen also recently  represented St. Kitts at the South Beach Food and Wine Festival earlier this year.

About Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week, one of the highly anticipated activations of Summer Unscripted, highlights Chefs from across the island. In addition to irresistible dining menus, the week will feature signature events. 
 
Grill Fest, scheduled for July 26, is one of the most anticipated events of Restaurant Week, brings together local grillers from across the island in a friendly BBQ competition. Additional features of the competition include an amateur mixology competition, cultural performances, local artisan showcases and more.
 
Ending the week is the elevated and interactive dining experience, Taste at Twilight on July 27. Visiting Chefs Nyesha and Stephen will collaborate with local Kittitian chefs to present a three-course seated dinner. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, a guided farm tour, and an immersive dining experience.
 
This year’s featured local ingredient is tamarind, which will be highlighted across special menus at participating restaurants. From casual, local spots to fine dining establishments, each menu is thoughtfully crafted to celebrate St. Kitts’ agricultural and culinary roots.

The full calendar of special events of the St. Kitts & Nevis Restaurant Week includes:

  • St. Kitts Tasting Showcase
  • R&B Tamarind Brunch
  • Karaoke
  • A Tropical Twist Dinner
  • Children’sHome Charity Dinner
  • Date Night
  • Cook, Sip, & Glamp
  • Tamarind Flavours
  • Grill Fest
  • Taste at Twilight
     

“Restaurant Week celebrates more than just food—it’s a tribute to Kittitian heritage and promotes community,” said Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “Chef Nyesha’s strong connection to the island and her global culinary acclaim, alongside Chef Stephen’s local roots and exceptional talent, promise a memorable and exciting Restaurant Week experience for locals and travellers from around the world. We’re thrilled to welcome both visiting chefs back to the island.”

Visitors can learn more about Restaurant Week at https://restaurantweek.kn/.

Destination updates and information can be found on the St. Kitts Tourism Authority website, www.visitstkitts.com

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Hong Kong Tourism Board launches series of collaborative dining experiences

This summer, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is spotlighting the powerful connections between Hong Kong and Canadian culinary talent through a series of collaborative dining experiences that fuse cultures, mentorship, and Michelin-starred excellence.

These special events serve to build anticipation for the 2025 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival this October, while showcasing Hong Kong as one of the world’s leading food destinations.

“Food is one of the most powerful ways to connect cultures—and this summer, we’re proud to showcase the culinary creativity that links Hong Kong and Canada,” says Jorge Lee, Senior Manager for Marketing & Public Relations, Hong Kong Tourism Board of Canada. “These chef collaborations highlight the shared talent and deep ties between our two regions and invite Canadians to discover the world-class dining experiences waiting for them in Hong Kong.”

“Hong Kong Night” at Summerlicious with Chef Alvin Leung – July 20, 2025

As part of Summerlicious 2025, HKTB presents a one-night-only culinary collaboration between three powerhouse chefs: Michelin-starred Chef Alvin Leung (Bo Innovation, Café Bau, Hong Kong), chef Kasey Chan (Café Bau, Hong Kong) and Chef Nick Liu (DaiLo, Toronto). Reuniting after their successful partnership at Hong Kong’s 2024 Taste Around Town, the master chefs will deliver an inventive East-meets-West menu that channels Hong Kong’s fearless culinary spirit while celebrating Canadian innovation. Tickets will go on sale at www.dailoto.com.

Summerlicious Travel Giveaway – July 4 to 20, 2025

As a sponsor of Summerlicious 2025, HKTB is also giving Torontonians a chance to experience Hong Kong firsthand. Diners at participating Summerlicious restaurants will receive QR code cards to enter for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2025 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival (October 23–26). The grand prize includes:

  • Two Premium Economy round-trip tickets with Cathay Pacific
  • Four nights at a four-star hotel
  • Two 3-day all-access Hong Kong attraction passes
  • VIP tickets to the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, October 23-26, 2025

For more media images, please click HERE.

Visa Infinite Dining Series at Langdon Hall with Chef Vicky Cheng – July 25, 2025

HKTB continues its celebration of Hong Kong-Canada culinary ties at Langdon Hall in Cambridge, where acclaimed Chef Vicky Cheng (Wing and VEA, Hong Kong) reunites with his Canadian mentor, Chef Jason Bangerter. Their story comes full circle in this exclusive Visa Infinite Dining Series event. Cheng, who trained under Bangerter in Toronto, now leads two of Hong Kong’s most prestigious restaurants and returns to cook alongside his former teacher for one unforgettable evening. It’s a masterclass in mentorship, technique, and international collaboration. Tickets go on sale on July 3 and can be found at VisaInfinite.ca.

Restaurants Canada celebrates top Canadian chefs at 80th RC show

Restaurants Canada celebrated 80 years of its RC Show this week, welcoming hospitality and foodservice professionals back to its annual three-day event at Toronto’s Enercare Centre.

This year’s show, which took place from April 7-9 brought together an impressive number of Canada’s leading hospitality and foodservice professionals and industry leaders to drive opportunities and fuel industry growth.

RC Show 2025, themed FUEL: Your potential, people, prosperity & passion, focused on empowering individuals and fuelling business success through innovation. Spanning over 350,000 square feet, the show floor featured 11 pavilions; dedicated spaces to celebrate diverse communities and their local innovations.

Highlights from this year’s pavilions included the return of the Black Experience, which won the Best First-Year Booth award in 2024, the Ontario pavilion that grew to feature over 40 local businesses, and the Indigenous Pavilion which proudly spotlighted remarkable Indigenous companies from across the country. With nearly 1,300 exhibitors, seven live competitions, and nine stages of programming, the event not only showcased global and local brands but also celebrated industry trailblazers while offering a dynamic platform for the latest innovations.

An exceptional lineup of speakers

This world-class trade event featured an exceptional lineup of speakers, and four exceptional keynotes, who embody innovation, vision, passion and a deep commitment to the industry we all love. Chef José Andrés, renowned chef, humanitarian, and founder of World Central Kitchen (WCK), joined the show for an intimate fireside chat where he discussed the resilience of the foodservice industry and how to inspire professionals to lead with purpose and thrive in an era of rapid transformation.

Chef Tuệ Nguyễn, better known as @TwayDaBae, culinary keynote, took the stage alongside knife-skills expert Chef Wallace Wong, followed by a fireside chat with Trevor LuiShingo Gokan, bar & beverage keynote, bartender and founder of Fivesenses FZCO, shared industry insights and tidbits on branding, adapting to new markets, and balancing artistry with high-volume service. Michèle Boudria, leadership keynote, spoke to her role in building up McDonald’s Canada to make the right, bold decisions while navigating the complexities of leading a large-scale business in a dynamic industry. 

Celebrating Canada's best chefs

The show’s seven live competitions shone a spotlight on Canada’s best and brightest chefs, pizza-makers, mixologists, baristas and shuckers. This year’s competition winners are listed below.

  • Bocuse d’Or National Finalist: Chef Keith Pears

  • Beyond the Rail Cocktail Competition: 1st Place – Jae Han, 2nd Place – Nick Benyamen, 3rd Place – Hannah Kivlin

  • Breakfast Sandwich Competition: 1st Place – Aleem Syed, 2nd Place – Prathamesh Patil, 3rd Place – Rishika Bhansali

  • Creative Pizza Competition: 1st Place – Kyle Mackay, 2nd Place – Anne Turic, 3rd Place – Jie Yan

  • Garland Canada Culinary Competition: 1st Place – Maya Petten, 2nd Place – Tia Huszczo, 3rd Place – Cleo Mariz Valerio, Runner Up – Alijah Casellas, Fan Favourite – Kiran Ruhela

  • John Bil Oyster Shucking Competition: 1st Place – Eamon Clark, 2nd Place – Chris Manocchio, 3rd Place – Brooke Kotak, Cleanest Plate – Tristan McConnell

  • Latte Art Competition: 1st Place – Kevin Yip, 2nd Place – Wanying Wang, 3rd Place – Ehsen Khatib

  • The World Pastry Cup National Finalists: Chef Christophe Sportellini and Chef Nicolas Belorgey

  • Traditional Pizza Competition: 1st Place – Bart Nadherny,  2nd Place – Katelynn Dingwell, 3rd Place – Jordan Chin-Ting

This year’s show floor featured cutting-edge technology and sustainable solutions to innovative culinary tools and locally sourced ingredients—exhibitors showcased the latest advancements shaping the foodservice, hospitality, and beverage sectors. This year’s exhibitor Booth Awards placed a spotlight on the standout contributions exhibitors brought to show, with top honours going to DoorDash for the Best Small BoothBondi Produce for Best Large BoothNella Cutlery for Best Experiential Booth, and last but definitely not least, Fairlee by Lassonde for Best First-Year Booth

When one event wraps up, another is already underway, and with that: RC Show is moving to the International Centre on March 8-10, 2026! While the venue is changing, Restaurants Canada’s commitment to fuelling the potential of Canada’s foodservice and hospitality industry remains the same—the move to the International Centre opens more possibilities to deliver on that promise. For more information, visit www.rcshow.com