VANCOUVER — This weekend marks the 85th anniversary of Vancouver’s White Spot, and the chain is celebrating the special occasion with the introduction of a promotional menu touting classic dishes.

The menu, which runs until July 14, features dishes such as a Meatloaf Dinner, BBQ Chicken Sandwich and Bumbleberry Pie; it also “brings White Spot history to life” with stories from customers past. "White Spot has always been a place where memories are made," says Warren Erhart, president of White Spot. “The response from guests who feel a personal connection to our restaurants shows just how many lives White Spot has touched. From budding romances to family reunions, it seems nearly everyone has a White Spot story.”

EDMONTON — Toronto-based chef Klaus Theyer celebrated the upcoming launch of his 4th course book and menu planning guide — A Chef’s Companion to Menu Planning & Writing — with colleagues at the 50th Anniversary Reunion of the Canadian Culinary Federation, Edmonton, last week.

Theyer, with some 50 years experience as a chef, catering manager and educator, pointed out that the book is written for working chefs looking to improve their customer relationship by offering eloquent examples of “how to” describe menu offerings appropriately. He also includes chef interviews from a variety of restaurants. The book is being published by Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, Iowa.

VANCOUVER — Browns Socialhouse is rapidly expanding within Western Canada, with the opening of four restaurants in the last two months; the latest is its 18th Brewery District restaurant, which just opened in New Westminster, B.C.

EDMONTON — More than 275 chefs and supporters have registered to attend the 50th Anniversary Canadian Culinary Federation (CCFCC) National Conference to be held at the Edmonton Marriott at River Cree Resort from May 29 to June 1.

“We are very excited at the registration this year,” said chef Donald Gyurkovits, CCFCC president. “Hosted by the Alberta Culinary Arts Foundation and the CCFCC Edmonton chapter, they have put together a diverse and interesting four days of great food, great speakers and great opportunities to celebrate the 50th year of the CCFCC.”