🍔 Burger Battle Returns & City Award Nominations Closing!

Good morning, St. John’s. This is St. John’s Living —the local newsletter where we serve hot and fresh St. John’s news like chicken teriyaki samples at Costco. And we never give you the look for coming back twice.

In this week’s St. John’s Living:

• Burger Battle is back starting on March 1st 🍔

• St. John’s Regatta announces new Open Crew category 🚣‍♀️

• Nominations close for city awards on Friday 👏

Let’s get into it…

Digest

🍔 Let’s Get Ready to Rumble

The annual St. John’s Burger Battle is back March 1st. Over 40 local restaurants will create a custom burger with flavours and fusions from around the world, and you get to vote for your favourite. Plus, during the month of March, if you post pics of your burgers you’ll be entered to win a gift card from one of the participating restaurants. Keep an eye on the Downtown St. John’s site for the announcement of this year’s participants.

🚣‍♀️ The Royal St. John’s Regatta Become More Inclusive

This past week the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee announced a new Open Crew category for the 2025 races. The new category will allow teams to be formed based solely on age, without gender restrictions. This ensures trans, non-binary, gender-diverse athletes and all rowers can participate in a way that aligns with their identities. This policy supplements existing Regatta policies that ensure trans athletes can compete in gendered categories without discrimination. We love to see it.

👏 Applause St. John’s

Do you know someone from St. John’s who deserves accolades? Applause St. John’s (aka City Awards) was established to celebrate outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations in a variety of areas, from sports to volunteers to heritage or youth. Nominations are open until Friday so check out the categories and send in your nomination today.

Local Business

• Magic Storm Events has closed. This one hurts. After the building they were located in was sold the business was forced to close abruptly, ending almost a year of amazing & diverse events, classes and markets. We hope they’re able to find a new home.

• Ayrista by Le Boudoir is opening at Avalon Mall Spring 2025. Stay tuned for an opening date.

• Bannerman Brewing is now offering Cape Coffee subscriptions.

• Andaluzia Market is expanding on their grocery foundation and introducing Flavors Corner launching with fresh take out. Grand Opening date still TBA.

• Big Cheese Pub & Grub has been renamed to 3 Brothers and will be renovated into a family-style restaurant serving up home cooking.

What’s Happening

Wednesday

🧘 Join Amal Unite & Empower for a relaxing and informative workshop session focused on the art of acupressure.

Thursday

☪️ Come join the Marjorie Mews Library for Ramadan Storytime presented by The Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador! You’ll learn about Ramadan through stories, a video, and some crafts.

🖥️ Does technology seem tricky? iPad seem impossible? Do you find your phone frustrating? Bring your device to the 3rd floor of the A.C. Hunter Library from 9:30-11:30 and their staff will do their best to get you sorted out!

Friday

🕯️ It’s a candlelight double-header at the Majestic Theatre. The Listeso String Quartet first brings you a Coldplay & Imagine Dragons candlelight concert followed by a Tribute to ABBA.

💃 90's/2000's Dance Party with DJ Lex! So get your old crew together, prime up at a friend’s place, and we'll see you at The Bella Vista to dance the night away 90's style!

🕺🏾 Celebrate Black History Month with an evening of inspirational dance moves at The Rooms. Stop by the theatre to check out films that amplifies Black voices and experiences. This is a free drop-in program.

🎹 Jazz fan? Check out the Florian Hoefner Standards Trip at Slainte at 7pm.

Saturday

🍔 Burger Battle starts today!

🏀 The Newfoundland Rogues take on the Rochester Kings at 7:00pm at Mary Brown’s Centre.

🥖 Bahn Mi and DIY clay magnets are on the menu at Chic Celebrations. Bring a friend, meet new people, and have a chill, crafty afternoon.

🚲 Pippy Park Winter Bike Festival is happening! Explore the groomed winter biking trails in Pippy Park and maybe win some prizes.

❄️ Get out and enjoy winter with a pop-up snowshoeing event at the MUN Botanic Gardens. Bring your own snowshoes or rent from them.

🎂 Coast 101.1FM Birthday Bash for Belles with Balls at the Bella Vista. Celebrate Coast 101.FM’s 21st birthday with this fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer Research NL Chapter. Live Music by Billy & The Bruisers, Judith Morrissey & The Roadside Attractions and the Rec League. It’s gonna be a time!f

Sunday

🛍️ Love Vintage? Wild for Collectibles? The SJFM Vintage & Collectibles Market will be filled with neat vintage treasures, awesome upcycled discoveries, and cool collectibles, records, and toys! Lots of vintage, thrifted, and collectibles vendors, plus hot food and treats because treasure hunting is hungry work!

🍿 The Harry Potter Film Series at the Majestic Theatre wraps up with the Deathly Hallows Part Two at 2:00pm.

🍭 Celebrate Dr. Seuss Day and all of the inspiration brought by his books to be your amazing, unique self with Rotary Paradise Youth Community Centre. Crafts, games, and a screening of The Lorax!

Monday

🪵 Wood Carving for beginners begins at the Anna Templeton Centre. During this 5-week course, you’ll learn the art of bas-relief wood carving. You’ll leave the class with a finished 8x8-inch basswood carving. Wood and carving tools will be provided, although you are welcome to bring your own tools if you have them.

Tuesday

🥞 Start your day with pancakes for a purpose! Join Stella’s Circle at Gower Street United Church for a warm, delicious breakfast that supports housing programs.

Municipal News

⚖️City Council Meeting

On the agenda for today’s regular Council meeting:

• Development suggested for 870 Kenmount but the recommendation is to reject.

• The Wharf is applying for a permit for 2025 & 2026. Two people were opposed.

• Should the city get off X? The deputy mayor is putting forward a motion.

• See full agenda

The meeting is at 3 PM, 4th Floor City Hall. The public is welcome to attend.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading St. John’s Living today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who bought a Team Canada hockey jersey this month.