Bunnies Gone Wild

Coombs, British Columbia – Ex-University of Victoria feral rabbits appear to be causing problems to farmers in the area of Coombs. According to Barbara Smith, she returned from a trip recently to find at least ninety feral rabbits in her hay field. It is believed they escaped from the nearby government-approved rabbit sanctuary sometime within the last weekend. About thirty rabbits were shot on Smith’s land on Tuesday, September 28th. Smith since that time has been under siege by rabbits and rabbit supporters.
Source: Times Colonist

No Beer for Now

Saanich, British Columbia – The 2010 Octoberfest to be held on October 8th – 10th at the G.R. Pearkes Arena, has been canceled. According to organizer Bill Code. “This event is unfortunately canceled. Please call your ticket vendors for a full refund. Sorry folks. Many circumstances are involved, but all I am going to say is sorry.”
Official Website: 2010 Victoria Octoberfest
 

There’s Nothin’ Like a Warm Pig

Victoria, British Columbia – Pig BBQ Joint opened today in the new Atrium building at 800 Yates St. It’s 200,000 square feet of Class A office space supported by retail shops below. The major occupier of these offices is B.C. Ferries. And as reported in the Times Colonist, Zambri’s Restaurant, Habit Coffee & Culture, AJ’s Organic Cafe, Cook Culture and Poppies the Island Florist will occupy the retail space. Jeff Hetherington of Pig said his 300-square-feet View Street location will be turned into Pig Dog, a hot dog take-out.
Source: Times Colonist

Spoons Diner a Hot Spot so Say Victoria Daily

Victoria, British Columbia – If you missed it, Spoons Diner received a nice sized spread in the Friday, September 24th issue of Victoria News Daily. Under the heading Hot Spots Victoria, Spoons were given a glowing review and a fair size photo of owner Dani Trueman with Chef John Carroll. Spoons Diner is located in the Super 8 Motel at 2915 Douglas St. and is open daily from 7:30 am – 3:00 pm.
Source: Victoria Daily News

Supreme Court pilfers PM’s Chef

Ottawa, Ontario – Oliver Bartsch, resigned his position as the Canadian Prime Minister’s chef and took a pay cut in order to work for the Supreme Court of Canada. Bartsch served at 24 Sussex Drive and Rideau Hall leaving his most current $79, 000 a year position. He now earns just under $50, 000 serving a wider range of food for Supreme Court judges. Bartsch prepared meals for visiting dignitaries U.S. President Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II and Diana, Princess of Wales. Bartsch’s replacement for Stephen Harper and his family is Tim Wasylko. Wasylko’s extensive resume includes cooking for the National Arts Centre, the Canadian Military and Foreign Affairs.
Source:  National Post

Chef’s Challenge for Cancer 

Toronto, Ontario – If you think you have what it takes to face off against world renown chef Gordon Ramsay and you have a knack of raising capital for a good cause, then Chef’s Challenge is for you. A minimum of $2,500 will allow you to attend the event but only the top fifty fund raisers will be allowed to tie on those apron strings and step into Hell’s Kitchen figuratively speaking. But competition is tough with Canada’s top chefs David Rocco, Lynn Crawford, Massimo Capra, Jamie Kennedy and Mark McEwan each to lead a team. Proceeds will go to Mount Sinai Hospital’s breast and ovarian cancer research.
Chef’s Challenge official website
Chef’s Challenge Facebook
Chef’s Challenge Twitter

Body in Hudson that of Rocal Restaurateur

New York City, New York – 39-year-old chef and restaurateur, Joseph Cerniglia, has been identified by New York City police as the body recovered from the Hudson River on September 24th. According to reports, police responded to a 911 call of a of a man jumping off the George Washington Bridge. The cause of death is under investigation and no criminal activities are suspected say authorities.

Cerniglia was chef and owner of Campania, a restaurant in Fair Lawn, New Jersey that was featured on a 2007 episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares.
Source: Manolith

Sumo Wrestlers Know Their Food

Koto City, Tokyo Prefecture – Removed member of the Sumo Federation, ex-Otake/ex-Takatoriki, is opening a yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant in Tokyo on October 1st. According to Tatatoriki, one of the restaurant’s specialties will be harami (tender meat around the diaphragm). His goal is to turn the restaurant into a successful chain and he is hoping ex-rikishi (ex-sumo wrestlers) will come and work here. It is not unusual for current and former rikishi to be involved together on new ventures. Former yokozuna Takanohana painted the restaurant’s sign in his own handwriting.

Takatoriki was known for his great rivalry with then Yokozuna Akebono. Takatoriki over his career received 14 tournament prizes, nine gold stars (for defeating yokozunas), won a yusho (tournament) and achieved the rank of Sekiwake.
Source: Sumo Forum

Halloween Pinball Style

Don’t miss the October 30th annual Halloween festivities at Pinball Cafe which will kick off at 8 pm. Located near the Nishigawa River, this cafe is said to be of fun atmosphere, unique staff and a crazy nice owner who oddly enough, looks like a missing member of Guitar Wolf. Entry is 1500 yen with one drink and a shot. Best costumes win a prize.
Pinball Cafe website
Pinball Cafe’s Facebook event page 
Pinball Cafe Facebook appreciation page