Chef Lizardo Becerra of Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine in Ottawa has advanced to the 2027 Canadian Culinary Championship after winning the regional qualifier with a seafood dish featuring citrus-marinated clams, sablefish sashimi and clam gelato. The dish was praised for its technical complexity and flavor, earning the people's choice award.

Sora Sushi, a 13-seat sushi counter at Parkwest Bicycle Casino in Bell Gardens, Calif., has quickly gained attention for its Michelin-level omakase experience. Led by chef Chris Suh, the restaurant offers an 18-course omakase menu with creative dishes such as kanpachi crudo and unique nigiri. "I like to think outside the box sometimes," Suh says. "I do try to stay within edomae style, but I like to put my twist on everything. All of my pieces have very bold flavors."

Mike's Red Tacos is spearheading a national push to popularize birria, positioning the Mexican specialty to follow the explosive growth trajectory of Nashville hot chicken. The brand's origins as a local food truck evolved rapidly after early accolades, and today, the company is preparing for nationwide expansion with about 350 franchise commitments and a robust pipeline. Leadership is focused on scaling while upholding quality and authenticity.

Vancouver's culinary scene is experiencing a boom, with new restaurants and chefs bringing fresh concepts to the city. Amanda Healey at Botanist is embracing local ingredients, while Ricardo Valverde at UCHU Cevicheria and Raw Bar is introducing Peruvian-style seafood. Other notable mentions include COFU Chinatown's plant-based omakase and Restaurant Kavita's Indian "ammakase." Time Out Market has also become a popular spot, featuring a variety of local eateries.

Junction Elementary School in California has expanded its farm-to-school program to source 60% of produce from local farmers and beef from an area ranch. The initiative, supported by a USDA grant, aims to improve student meals and support local agriculture.

Alcohol consumption in the US has dipped for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, though it remains higher than pre-2020 levels, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The study found a 1% decline in drinking rates from 2022 to 2024, with Generation Z and millennials showing the most significant reductions. However, heavy drinking among adults aged 50 to 64 has increased by more than one-third since 2018, raising concerns about alcohol-related health risks.

Dolly Parton's favorite cocktail, the Dirt Road Martini, has gained popularity since her passing. The drink, featured in her 2024 cookbook "Good Lookin' Cookin'," is unique for its combination of vodka, giardiniera brine and unsweetened tea.

State of Mind Public House and Pizzeria in Los Altos, Calif., uses local ingredients, especially California cheese and dairy, to create its signature pizzas. Notable pizzas include the Elotero, inspired by Mexican street corn, and Fire on the Mountain, featuring roasted cauliflower and Impossible chorizo. The menu highlights the origins of cheeses and trains staff to share the stories behind them, fostering conversations around the state's terroir and supporting local producers.