SASKATOON — Dale MacKay, Top Chef Canada’s season-one winner, is preparing to open Ayden Kitchen & Bar this summer in Saskatoon, which was formerly occupied by Souleio Foods.

Changes to liquor laws in Saskatchewan and Manitoba mean restaurants and other business owners will have more freedom when serving alcohol to their guests.

“Our government is pleased to improve our liquor regulatory system by eliminating red tape and creating new opportunities for business,” Donna Harpauer, the minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA), told Global News.

SASKATOON — Is the city of Saskatoon ready for food trucks? The city held an open house last week to discuss that question and measure public interest in loosening food truck bylaws, which prohibit motorized trucks from parking on public property.

Currently, mobile food trucks are allowed on privately owned sites, but most mobile businesses are comprised of hotdog and ice-cream vendors.

SASKATOON — The smell of hickory smoke is attracting diners to a new barbecue joint on Second Avenue South in Saskatoon.

Woodfire Grill, which opened in December, boasts two Red Seal chefs and a menu of barbecue nosh that includes dishes such as bacon-wrapped scallop and shrimp skewers ($14) a home hickory-smoked burger, topped with horseradish aoli, smoked applewood cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onions and mustard ($14).