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- 🍜 Who’s Ready for Ramen?
🍜 Who’s Ready for Ramen?
SJ Today
August 22, 2025
Good morning Saint John! So this is what the unofficial second-last weekend of summer looks like… what haven’t you done yet? Check off that summer bucket list cuz before you know it, we’ll be rocking flannel and pumpkin spice.
Here’s the lowdown for the day:
Don’t let the cruisers in on our local secret 🤫
Umami Kid bringing ramen uptown 🍜
How we’re spending the weekend 😎
Have a great weekend!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🛳 Ship Ahoy Saint John
After a bonus batch of cruisers rolled in thanks to Hurricane Erin, today brings a regularly scheduled call: the Norwegian Getaway docks at 11:10 am and sails at 9:45 pm, carrying around 4,000 passengers. Expect a sea of sun hats and selfies—if anyone asks where the best public bathroom is, send them to Market Square and save the mezzanine level of Brunswick Square for us.
🤓 Innovation Hits Saint John This Fall
Tickets and nominations are open for the 2025 InnovateNB Awards, happening Nov. 27 at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre. The gala celebrates the people turning bold ideas into real solutions across New Brunswick. Awards include Startup of the Year and the new Beacon Award for Women in Innovation. Nominations close Sept. 29, and early-bird tickets are available until Oct. 1.
🏆 Top clicks of the week
Monday - Reminder about Envision SJ’s Local Ambassador Program
Tuesday - SJ Professional Visual Artist Grants awarded
Wednesday - Saint John Cycling fundraising to refurb Rockwood Bike Park
Thursday - Right Good Pop Up this Saturday at Victoria Square Park
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL BUSINESS
FOODIE FRIDAY
🍜 Umami Kid serves ramen with a side of anime on Germain Street
If you’ve sipped bubble tea at The Bubbly Cup on Prince William Street, you already know Eunice and her husband Sanat have a talent for creating memorable food experiences. Now they’re bringing that same energy to Umami Kid, a Japanese-style ramen bar at 26 Germain Street aiming for a mid-September opening.
The location is unassuming, but Eunice is making sure it stands out. “That’s why I made the theme eye-catching just because… you won’t really notice it otherwise. It basically adds a flash to an unassuming place,” she said.
Eunice’s love for ramen is rooted in years of experience managing restaurants in the Philippines and overseeing multiple locations for one of the country’s largest Japanese chains. “I know my taste — I love that creamy broth. Ever since moving here I was looking for ramen places that offered it, and I couldn’t find it,” she said. To achieve the perfect tonkotsu, chicken, and miso broths, Eunice says they’ll simmering them for at least eight to twelve hours continuously, just to get that creaminess right.
Umami Kid isn’t just about food. The space is a playful nod to anime, with manga characters on the walls, a ceiling draped in cherry blossoms, and modern Japanese-inspired lighting. The restaurant’s name and logo are inspired by their son. At first they considered Umami Boy, but it was already taken, so they went with Umami Kid—and it works. The logo is killer, and it perfectly captures the fun, bold personality of the restaurant.
Opening hasn’t been without challenges. Sanat works full-time during the day and spends evenings installing walls, lighting, and systems. “I’m very excited of course to open our doors to people and I want to thank everyone for their patience. I see all their posts in Saint John, and even our customers at Bubbly Cup ask my staff when we’re going to open,” Eunice said.
For Eunice and Sanat, quality and experience matter as much as the food itself. “I wanted to be unique. I want it to stand out so people will talk about it. At Bubbly Cup we have the flower wall and people always recognize me for that. Now with Umami Kid they’ll say, ‘Oh, the restaurant with anime.’” Every detail, from the décor to the bowls and how diners are greeted, is designed to make an impression and keep people coming back.
When Umami Kid finally opens its doors in mid-September, Saint John diners will find more than just ramen, they’ll find a thoughtful, fun, and flavourful new addition to the city’s food scene.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
SPONSORED
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
WHAT WE’RE DOING THIS WEEKEND
Fundy Fringe Festival | August 19-23
Experience 13 years of boundary-pushing theatre and performances at the Fundy Fringe Festival. From local acts like A Schooner Called Dart and Wonderful World of Wayne to national and international shows, there’s something for everyone. All festivals are un-juried, uncensored, accessible, and give 100% of ticket sales back to the artists. Check the full schedule and grab tickets for this amazing local festival!
20th Annual BIG Book Sale | August 22-24
Big Brothers Big Sisters is back with its 20th Annual BIG Book Sale at TD Station. The event actually kicks off Thursday with the sold out early bird event, but admission is free starting Friday for everyone to browse thousands of titles. It’s the city’s favourite book hunt, so come snag your next great read. Get a heads up on the price list here.
Right Good Pop Up | August 23
The Old North End gets a fashion takeover this Saturday as the Right Good Pop Up fills Victoria Square Park from 11am–4pm. Over 25 vendors bring vintage thrifts, makers, tarot readings, tattoos, and more, while Austin Eatman kicks off live music at 12:30pm. Grab a bite from Gahan House in the beer garden, picnic on the grass, and shop the sunny Saturday vibes with friends.
Summer Send-Off Bash | August 23
Let’s wave goodbye to summer with a full-on community celebration! KBM Outing Association is hosting a family-friendly afternoon from 12pm-4pm at Westfield Rd, packed with two bouncy castles (including the biggest in the Maritimes!), face painting, field games, music, and summer fun. Grab a BBQ bite, popcorn, cotton candy, or a refreshment, and support the Tennis Court refurbishment with a donation.
Big Bed Push Fundraiser | August 24
Push a bed and raise hope! The Big Bed Push returns to Saint John, starting at Fundy Honda, 8am, as participants take turns rolling a bed frame through town to support NB Copes and families grieving suicide loss. Laps vary from 2km to 5km, so anyone can join for part or all of the 20km route. Every dollar helps fund healing retreats for families in need.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL PICS
WHERE WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸
📍 On Wednesday we shared a close up pic of some words saying something about Marsh Creek and ships being built. It was actually the copy found on the newspaper page of one of John Hooper’s restored People Waiting figures in City Hall. We had a few guesses, but none were correct! Finally found something that tricked everyone!
Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 5:50 AM(Fri 22 August) | 0.86 m(2.82 ft) |
High Tide | 12:01 PM(Fri 22 August) | 7.49 m(24.57 ft) |
Low Tide | 6:10 PM(Fri 22 August) | 1.2 m(3.94 ft) |
Get Noticed in SJ Today!
Got something to share? Our baseline ads are made for moments just like this. With your message nestled in among the latest Saint John updates, it’s a quick and easy way to get seen by local readers. Let’s help you make an impression!*
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🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
FRIDAY
Trinity Galleries | Jazz Night; James O'Farrell & Magnus Labillois | 7pm
AREA 506 | Contrived + Ermine | 7pm
The Porch, Hampton | Aaron MacDonald | 7pm
Fusion East Taproom | Brandon McCluskey | 7pm
Hampton Brewing Co. | Southern Comfort Band | 7pm
SATURDAY
Right Good Pop Up (Victoria Square Park) | Austin Eatman | 12:30pm
Yip Cider | That Zepp Band | 8pm
AREA 506 | Hot 2 Go Pop Culture Party | 7pm
SUNDAY
Hampton Town Square | Karine, Jorian & Tim | 6:30pm
Hampton Brewing Co. | Shawn Corey | 3pm
Kent Theatre | Concert in Honour of Ukrainian Independence Day | 5pm
Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone that wears shorts all year long…🩳
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher