Brandon, MB – May 20, 2025 — Brandon chef Casey Naherniak has secured first place at the Grill Masters finals in Toronto, a North American culinary competition hosted by The Keg Steakhouse + Bar. The competition unfolded over three rounds, beginning with in-store events at individual Keg locations, advancing to regional competitions, and culminating in the finals, which took place in Toronto on May 13. Twelve chefs from across Canada and the United States went head-to-head in the final showdown. Naherniak, who works at The Keg in Brandon, emerged as the top chef, finishing ahead of Leonie from Toronto, who placed third, and Erwin from St. John’s, Newfoundland, who took second. Her winning dish, Forest & Field, was a deeply personal creation that combined local Manitoba flavors with her own culinary passions. It featured a coffee-crusted elk filet, cooked sous-vide and seared to perfection, paired with birch syrup chocolate whipped butter, tart lingonberry compote, and drunken red wine cherries. On the side were crisp potato pavé, crunchy golden beet chips, and sautéed wild morel mushrooms and spring peas. A touch of crème fraîche, smoked sea salt, pea shoots, and homegrown flowers completed the dish — all served on hand-made wooden plates to tie back to her roots. “I am very excited to share the dish I created. It is quite personal to me — it’s called Forest and the Field, inspired by where I came from,” Naherniak shared during the presentation. “Growing up on a farm in the prairies, surrounded by open fields and dense forest. As a kid I foraged morel mushrooms, ate peas straight out of the garden, and developed a love for the land that still guides me today. This dish reflects that connection, right down to the hand-made wooden plates.” After the competition, she also took to social media to express how much the experience meant to her. “This dish wasn’t just a representation of Manitoba — it was a reflection of me,” she posted. “It featured the local flavors I grew up with, my love for wild meats, foraging, and gardening. It was inspired by my childhood, my passion, and everything that’s shaped me as a chef.” Casey’s journey began in Russell, Manitoba, where she grew up surrounded by open fields and forests, sparking her early interest in local ingredients. A 2020 graduate of Brandon Culinary School, she’s been working in professional kitchens ever since, bringing that same sense of place and curiosity to every dish she creates. This year’s Grill Masters finals were judged by a panel of four, with The Keg’s senior leadership — including the Vice President of Product, directors of food and beverage, and product managers — in attendance to witness the chefs’ creativity and precision firsthand. From growing up in the Prairies to winning top honours on a North American culinary stage, Casey’s achievement is a testament to hard work, passion, and staying connected to your roots. Brandon and Manitoba couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishment — and we can’t wait to see where her culinary adventures take her next.

The highly successful PBR ( Professional Bull Riders ) came to the Keystone Centre and Westoba Place on Friday and Saturday night. Thanks to Scramble Studio and their photos. The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) is a company that organizes professional bull riding events. It was originally headquartered in Irvine, California, before moving to Colorado Springs, Colorado, and then to Pueblo, Colorado, and finally to Fort Worth, Texas in 2024. The PBR is now owned by TKO Group Holdings, a merger of Endeavor-owned UFC and professional wrestling company WWE.

At the corner of 17th and Park Ave, the building that featured Kam Lung and Mano's Pizza will be torn down next week. I have done my best to think back over history as to what business's were at this location at one time. Perkins Moxies - ( thank you Chris Semeschuk ) Gullivers Blu Astoria Pizza Kam Lung / Mano's Pizza Various companies have been talked about that will go in the new building. Photos courtesy of Robin Bigsnake for BDNMB.CA

The Manitoba government is encouraging campers and nature enthusiasts to mark their calendars, as provincial park campground reservations will open over five days from April 7 to 11, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced today. “Spring is here and Manitobans are looking forward to spending quality time in nature,” said Moyes. “This year, as Canadians are choosing to explore closer to home, Manitoba’s provincial parks offer incredible destinations for adventure, relaxation and discovery. Last week, our government was pleased to announce in Budget 2025 we are making parks entry free for one year.” To accommodate high demand, reservations will once again open in stages over five days to make it easier to secure a spot at favorite provincial park campgrounds, noted Moyes. Before opening day, users are encouraged to check their online accounts, update passwords and review reservation rules. The Parks Reservation Service also offers campsite photos and descriptions to help campers choose the perfect spot. The Parks Reservation Service will start taking reservations at 7 a.m. each day online at www.manitobaparks.com and by phone at 204-948-3333 (in Winnipeg) or 1-888-482-2267 (toll-free) on the dates listed below: Monday, April 7. – reservations open for all cabins, yurts and group-use areas; Tuesday, April 8 – reservations open for campsites at Birds Hill, Winnipeg Beach and Grand Beach campgrounds; Wednesday, April 9 – reservations open for campsites in all campgrounds in Whiteshell Provincial Park including Betula Lake, Big Whiteshell Lake, Brereton Lake, Caddy Lake, Falcon Beach, Falcon Lakeshore, Nutimik Lake, Opapiskaw, Otter Falls, West Hawk Lake and White Lake; Thursday, April 10 – reservations open for campsites in all northern and western campgrounds including Asessippi, Bakers Narrows, Clearwater Lake (Campers Cove and Pioneer Bay), Duck Mountain (Blue Lakes, Childs Lake and Wellman Lake), Manipogo, Rainbow Beach, Rivers, Paint Lake, Spruce Woods (Kiche Manitou), Turtle Mountain (Adam Lake), Wekusko Falls and William Lake; and Friday, April 11 – reservations open for campsites in all remaining campground locations including Birch Point, Camp Morton, Hecla (Gull Harbour), Hnausa Beach, Lundar Beach, Moose Lake, Nopiming (Beresford Lake, Bird Lake, Black Lake, Shoe Lake and Tulabi Falls), St. Malo, Stephenfield and Watchorn. On opening days, online users will enter a virtual waiting room before 7 a.m. Depending on traffic, users may be placed in a queue to ensure a smooth booking process. Walk-in reservations and in-person payment arrangements can also be made at 1181 Portage Ave. in Winnipeg and will be available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning April 7 for the parks and facilities described above.

A few interesting things that have popped up over the last two weeks. 1 - Local hockey player Beau Calvert ( 7 years old ) somehow put up 48 goals in Portage at the Portage Cup in 4 games. Next closest goal scorer had 16 goals. Perhaps a new Bedard on the horizon. 2 - Freeze That on 18th Street will feature frozen foods and prepared meals. Check them out - https://www.freezethat.ca/ 3 - Sisson Auto has purchased a car wash that is basically across the road from their auto dealership. 4 - Sugar Shop opens March 27th now what is this business you ask it is hair removal and much more. https://www.instagram.com/sugarshopca/reel/DGv2L7Ty5rg/ 5 - Last point congrats to Tyler Crayston, Russ Paddock and Grant Wilson and the Bobcats Mens V Ball team on winning USPORTS National Championship on Sunday night. Been over 20 years since Jerry Hemmings brought a National Banner to Brandon. Be well all darryl@bdnmb.ca