Red Top Celebrates 65 Years, Thanksgiving Options Abound, and $680 Coffee Record

Red Top, a beloved drive-in restaurant in Winnipeg, marks its 65th anniversary this year. Established in 1960 by brothers Gus and John Scouras, the restaurant has maintained its classic menu and nostalgic atmosphere, even under the ownership of Stavros Athanasiadis, who took over in 2019. His commitment to preserving the original vision reassures both patrons and the founding family that the cherished traditions will continue.

The Scouras brothers, who immigrated from Greece as teenagers, initially operated Winnipeg’s first Junior’s location before seizing the opportunity to create a drive-in restaurant. Located at 219 St. Mary’s Road, Red Top has become a staple for locals, renowned for its signature burgers and crispy fried chicken. Among its iconic offerings is the Monster Burger, a six-patty creation that has delighted customers since the restaurant opened its doors.

Thanksgiving Dining Made Easy

As Thanksgiving approaches, many are seeking convenient dining options. The Pony Corral is offering a dine-in or takeout Thanksgiving dinner for $39.99 per person, or $299.99 for a group of eight. Fast-food fans can enjoy the Thanksgiving Stack at Tim Hortons, featuring carved turkey, homestyle stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Such offerings provide a hassle-free alternative for those wishing to celebrate the holiday without the stress of cooking.

In the spirit of the season, the Food Network has announced a lineup of over 50 hours of holiday-themed programming. New shows include Tournament of Champions: All-Star Christmas and Sweet Empire, hosted by Wells Adams, which will showcase chefs creating edible artwork. Returning favourites like the Holiday Baking Championship are also set to entertain viewers.

Record-Setting Luxury Coffee and Innovative Wake-Up Call

In a remarkable culinary feat, a luxury café in Dubai has set a new Guinness World Record for the most expensive cup of coffee, priced at $680. This extravagant brew, made from ultra-rare Panamanian Geisha beans, was served in a handcrafted Edo Kiriko crystal glass, accompanied by tiramisu and Geisha-infused chocolate ice cream. This record was established shortly after a rare 20-kilogram lot of the beans sold for an astonishing $604,000, showcasing the high value placed on this unique coffee.

In a move to enhance the guest experience, Holiday Inn Express is set to introduce a new scent-based alarm clock at select locations. Dubbed the “Breakfast Alarm Clock,” this innovative device will emit aromas like coffee, bacon, and blueberry muffins to help guests wake up happier and encourage healthier eating habits.

Interestingly, a recent survey revealed that the average person waits nearly 30 years before using their fine china, with 64% of respondents admitting they have never touched these special dishes. Many cite reasons such as not having the right moment or concerns about damage. When they do finally open the china cabinet, it is often for significant occasions like holiday meals or anniversaries.

Hal Anderson, the host of Connecting Winnipeg on 680 CJOB, invites readers to share their thoughts on local and global happenings. He can be reached via email at [email protected], and letters to the editor can be sent to [email protected].