When Big Bad John’s was conceived in 1962 by the owners of the Strathcona Hotel as a zany, one-year experiment to add flavour to Victoria and provide a unique atmosphere to those visiting from the Seattle World’s Fair, who would have thought it would still be around 50 years later?
Celebratory events are scheduled between June 25 and July 1 for the downtown pub, famous locally for a decor that included peanut shells on the floor and bras hanging on the walls, among many other items.
Various food and drink specials, prizes and music are in store, plus draws for 50th anniversary Big Bad John’s T-shirts. Find the pub at 919 Douglas St. or visit strathconahotel.com/BigBadJohns.
New & Notable
The Hotel Grand Pacific’s Jordan Mieczkowski faces a long, hot summer in the kitchen as he trains to take on chefs from around the world Sept. 14. Mieczkowski will represent Canada at the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition in Berlin, competing against other entrants under age 27 from 25 other countries in a “black box” event. Each chef will receive an identical, previously unidentified “market basket” containing certain mandatory ingredients and must then create and execute a three-course menu for four people.
The Gorge Pointe Pub will open its doors June 21 with a new look and new menu that focuses on the history of the local area and offers a fusion of traditional pub fare and West Coast cuisine. The pub is located at 1075 Tillicum Rd. at the site of the old Gorge Hotel along the Gorge waterway.
“The Gorge has a rich history, which we’ve tried to integrate into our new brand. You’ll find many interesting old photos and historical tidbits alongside 20 different draft beers, ales and stouts from around the world,” says Tom Burley, managing partner. The reopening will feature menu-sampling, door prizes and representatives from Jim Beam, Sleemans/Okanagan Springs and Lighthouse Brewery.
Women in Business award nominations sought
Many amazing women are hard at work in the Capital Region, striving every day to make both their workplace and community a better place. Black Press wants to hear about them!
This fall, your Greater Victoria community newspapers present the fifth annual Women in Business Awards, designed to honour local women making a difference through their careers and community contributions.
From the Woman Business Owner of the Year to a true Rising Star, the award evaluations consider specific criteria in their respective categories, plus involvement in business or volunteer organizations, mentoring, awards and expertise in their fields.
While each woman is unique in the path she chooses for her career, the women we have met through the years have shared a true passion for their chosen fields, for the clients and individuals they serve, their colleagues and their greater community.
The 2012 Women in Business Awards will select women award winners in the following four categories:
• Women Business Owner of the Year
• Eco-Entrepreneur
• Rising Star
• Above & Beyond
Find nomination forms in your Black Press community newspapers, or call 250-381-3484 for more information. The submission deadline is noon, July 25.
To submit your business news items, send an email to jblyth@telus.net.
