👀 Two new restaurants open today

Good morning, Saint John! Consider this your Monday reminder that getting in shape doesn't have to be boring. An Idaho man just set a world record for keeping five balloons in the air for more than a minute. Meanwhile, I spotted a guy on Water Street Saturday morning going full speed through a solo handball workout in a parking lot. Both have got to be harder than they look!

In todays edition:

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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⚾️ St. Peter’s Field lands Blue Jays support

A few weeks ago, we told you about a couple of local baseball dads who were eagerly waiting to hear whether the Toronto Blue Jays' Jays Care Foundation would help bring St. Peter’s Field back to life.

Now they have their answer.

Saint John was named one of 22 communities across Canada selected for a 2026 Field of Dreams grant, unlocking a major piece of the funding needed to revitalize the historic north end ballpark. The news was revealed Sunday during a Blue Jays watch party at Market Square, where Port City Pirates players, families and supporters gathered to watch the game.

Port City Pirates president Adam Doherty and volunteer Yan Del Valle have been leading the effort alongside city staff and other community supporters.

“This project started with a group of volunteers, baseball families and community members who believed the field deserved a second chance,” Yan told SJ Today earlier this spring.

The project still requires roughly $50,000 in local fundraising and is awaiting a decision from the Regional Development Corporation, but the Jays Care announcement moves the long-discussed vision significantly closer to reality.

“We believe St. Peter’s can once again become a place where young players make memories, families gather and the community comes together,” Yan said.

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🍜 Yoraman opens today on Canterbury

When Yu Zhou first started selling food at local markets, he wasn't trying to build a restaurant.

After moving here from China in 2019 to complete his MBA at UNB Saint John, Yu eventually found himself drawn back to the restaurant business his family had worked in for years. But before signing a lease or buying kitchen equipment, he spent several years serving customers at Queen Square Farmers Market, Kingston Farmers Market, the Saint John Exhibition and the Moonlight Bazaar.

"I needed practice. I needed to know local people's ideas," he said.

Many customers became weekly regulars, something Yu said helped shape his approach to hospitality and quality.

Now he's bringing that experience to Yoramen, his new Canterbury Street restaurant opening today in the former Paddington Station location.

"You have to make your place their hangout. You want them remember you," he said.

And if you've walked past lately, you may have done a double take. 

The space has been completely transformed into a warm, Japanese-inspired dining room that feels unlike anything else in Saint John, with custom woodwork, traditional design elements, and a window where customers will be able to watch fresh noodles being made.

For Yu, it’s all about quality…especially with the noodles.

Using a Japanese noodle-making machine, he spent weeks testing flour, water ratios and techniques to create the texture he was looking for. The noodles are made fresh daily from scratch.

"Freshness is everything," he said.

That philosophy carries through the rest of the menu as well, from hand-wrapped dumplings to fruit-based tea drinks made with loose-leaf tea and fresh ingredients. The restaurant will also be home to Yomee Tea, a separate tea concept serving drinks made with fresh fruit, fresh milk and real cane sugar.

"I want people to have the right concept of ramen," he said. "You don't need to travel to Toronto or Montreal anymore. You can get it in Saint John."

Yoramen begins a soft-opening this week, open Noon-8pm.

🥯 The bagels have landed

After a few last-minute delays and plenty of eager customers asking when the doors would finally open, Bagel Artist officially opens its new Saint John City Market location today.

Owner Angeli Barbosa says the new stall has been a labour of love, with the final touches coming together over the past week.

"What began as a dream has grown thanks to the incredible support of our customers, friends and community," she said when announcing the opening.

The popular bagel shop, known for its handmade bagels and specialty cream cheeses, now has two Saint John locations, including its original Rothesay Avenue shop.

For market regulars, it means one more reason to stop by for breakfast, lunch, or a coffee break. And judging by the number of people who've been asking us about the opening over the past few weeks, hopefully Angeli and crew are making a few extra this morning.

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Here are a few things to look forward to this week. Don’t forget to send us your events any time!

KV Walkers Qplex Trail Trek | June 8
KV Walkers kicks off its summer walking season Monday at 6:30pm with a free, volunteer-led trek around the upper trails of the qplex and surrounding area. Walkers meet at the lower parking lot by the soccer and ball fields, then choose their own pace for about an hour of fresh air, neighbourly chit-chat and pretending Monday was always a great idea.

Spring Strings | June 8
The ASD-S School String Program wraps up the year Monday at 6:30pm at Saint John High School with Spring Strings, a by-donation concert featuring more than 150 young musicians. Expect violin, viola, cello and double bass students from beginner level right up to graduating high school players, all showing what they’ve been working on before summer fully takes over.

100 Women Who Care Greater Saint John | June 9
100 Women Who Care Greater Saint John meets Tuesday from 5:30-6:30pm at the Delta by Marriott Hotel for its second gathering of 2026. Members and guests will hear three quick charity pitches, vote on the winner, and pool their donations into one bigger local gift. Guests can take part with a one-time $100 donation and see the whole giving-circle thing in action.

Watercolor Masterclass with Natalia Outkina | June 10
World-renowned watercolor artist Natalia Outkina is in west Saint John Wednesday for a full-day masterclass at Saint Columba Presbyterian Church. Running from 11am-9:30pm, Lilacs & Lighthouses is designed for painters at different levels, with a focus on technique, confidence and letting the water do its thing without turning the paper into soup.

Fundy Sea Shanty Night | June 11
Fundy Sea Shanty Night returns Thursday at 7pm at O’Leary’s Pub on Princess Street. The free, 90-minute evening is all about singing sea shanties and sharing the stories behind them, which feels extremely Saint John in the best possible way. No admission fee, no fancy barrier to entry, just voices, history and probably someone who knows every word.

GenNext Golf Tournament | June 12
GenNext’s second annual golf tournament hits Rockwood Park Golf Course Friday from 10am-5pm in support of youth programs in Saint John. Teams are $600 and the day includes golf, games, prizes, a 50/50 draw and a meal from Britt’s. It’s a workday on the course, which is still technically networking if anyone asks.

Hampton Kids of Steel Triathlon | June 13
Young athletes get their race-day moment Saturday with the Hampton Kids of Steel Triathlon. The event gives kids a supportive place to swim, bike and run their way through a proper triathlon experience, with the focus on confidence, challenge and community rather than tiny Olympic-level pressure. Registration is open online for families ready to make a sporty Saturday of it.

ALS Walk Strong Saint John | June 14
ALS Walk Strong returns to Market Square Sunday, with registration at 10am and the walk starting at 11am along Harbour Passage. The community fundraiser supports equipment and services that help people living with ALS stay safe, comfortable and independent at home. Friends, families, coworkers and solo walkers are all welcome, with every step helping the cause move forward.

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Shadow prefers to keep an eye on things from above during walks around Fisher Lakes. Thanks to his human for the snap!

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🌅 5:36am | 🌇 9:10pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who always talks about exercise being fun 🎈.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher