ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — Every great dish tells a story. It carries generations of tradition, memories of home, and the unique identity of a culture. This spring, those stories came to life in kitchens across St. John’s as cameras followed newcomer chefs from around the world, capturing not only the preparation of their signature dishes but also the passion, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit behind them.
Over three months of filming, the Tombolo Multicultural Variety Show transformed local restaurants, catering kitchens, and community spaces into vibrant television sets where culture met cuisine. The result is an inspiring fourth season that celebrates Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing multicultural community through one universal language everyone understands: food.
With the theme “How It’s Made,” Season 4 offers audiences an authentic, behind the scenes look at how ten beloved ethno cultural dishes are prepared from scratch by newcomer chefs who have built businesses, careers, and new lives in the province. 
More than a cooking series, the production tells the human stories behind every recipe, showcasing the traditions, family heritage, and determination that continue to enrich communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Filmed between April and June, the season features ten newcomer chefs representing ten cultures, each sharing a signature dish while opening the doors to their kitchens and their journeys.
Featured chefs and businesses include:
- Dorcas Akrong and Beatric Karikari of G&M Cuisines, preparing Ghana’s famous Jollof Rice.
- Liliya Nikishyna of SmachnoUA Restaurant at the Village Mall Food Court, demonstrating traditional Ukrainian Zrazy (Potato Meat Cakes).
- Hanan Nureddin, sharing the centuries old tradition of making authentic Ethiopian Injera.
- Claudia Fimbres, owner of Mamacita Mexican Kitchen & Latin Market in Mount Pearl, preparing authentic Mexican Tacos.
- Lamyae Charifi of Casablanca Bakery & Catering, introducing viewers to Morocco’s celebrated Couscous.
- Mike Zhang of Basil Leaf, showcasing the techniques behind Thailand’s iconic Pad Thai.
- Loretta Concesco of Lolly’s Kitchen NL, demonstrating the rich flavours of traditional Butter Chicken.
- Alishba of Taste of Mediterranean, preparing a fresh and colourful Greek Salad.
- Safaa Tohme of Safaa’s Syrian Kitchen, revealing the authentic preparation of Chicken Shawarma.
- Sweenie Tissera of Tissera’s Sri Lankan Fusion, introducing viewers to Sri Lanka’s beloved street food, Kottu.
Behind every episode was a dedicated production team working alongside chefs, volunteers, and community supporters to capture every detail, from early morning ingredient preparation to the final plated masterpiece. The behind the scenes experience reflected the teamwork, enthusiasm, and cultural exchange that define the Tombolo Multicultural Variety Show.
Season 4 is about much more than cooking. It is a celebration of the newcomer entrepreneurs who are strengthening Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy while introducing residents to authentic international cuisine. Their restaurants and catering businesses have become gathering places where cultures connect and communities grow stronger.
The Tombolo Multicultural Variety Show continues to serve as a platform for promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity, and sharing the remarkable stories of newcomers who now proudly call Newfoundland and Labrador home.
As viewers prepare for the premiere of Season 4, they can expect an unforgettable journey across ten countries, ten cultures, and ten remarkable stories, proving that while recipes may differ, food has the extraordinary power to bring people together.
Hosted at the Tombolo Office in St. John’s, the workshop focused on helping newcomers understand what AI is, how it works, and how it can be used responsibly. Participants learned how AI can assist with writing resumes and cover letters, searching for jobs, translating documents, understanding Canadian systems, improving communication, and completing everyday tasks more efficiently. The session also highlighted the limitations of AI and emphasized the importance of verifying AI generated information before relying on it.
After participating in the workshop, the participant learned how AI can help improve resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, translate documents, and better understand Canadian systems. The participant said the workshop changed their perception of AI and gave them greater confidence in using technology to support their career goals.
Organizers said digital and AI literacy are becoming essential skills in today’s world. By providing newcomers with practical knowledge and hands on experience, the workshop aimed to reduce barriers to employment, improve digital confidence, and help participants integrate more successfully into Canadian society.
The match was organized by Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL and focused on unity, participation, and cultural exchange through sport. Players were mixed into teams to encourage inclusion and interaction among different communities.
The game was highly competitive and energetic throughout, described by attendees as a “high-voltage” match where neither side gave space or time on the ball. The pace stayed intense from start to finish at the Fortis Canada Complex soccer ground.
Spectators also praised the level of play, highlighting strong fitness, teamwork, and technical ability from all participants.
Several players shared their thoughts after the event:
Organizers highlighted that initiatives like this help bridge that gap for newcomers by providing access to sport, building friendships, and supporting community integration through shared activity.
The event concluded in a celebratory atmosphere, marking another successful example of how sport can unite diverse communities.
The event transformed the market into a vibrant cultural gathering, featuring live musical performances, energetic traditional dances, and an international fashion show. Models proudly showcased traditional attire representing countries including Ghana, Chile, Nigeria, Venezuela, the Philippines, India, Mexico, Japan, China, and many others, highlighting the rich cultural diversity that makes Canada unique.
More than 40 vendors participated in the multicultural market, offering visitors a wide variety of international cuisine, baked goods, handmade crafts, artwork, jewelry, clothing, and cultural products. Guests explored traditions from around the world while supporting local multicultural businesses and artisans.
The celebration attracted a large crowd and created a welcoming atmosphere where families, newcomers, and long-time residents gathered to experience and appreciate the many cultures that enrich Newfoundland and Labrador.
“This celebration reflects the strength of our multicultural community and the importance of bringing people together through culture, creativity, and shared experiences,” the organizers said.
Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL expressed its sincere appreciation to all performers, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and attendees whose support made the event a great success.
Maria’s story reflects the experience of many newcomers across Newfoundland and Labrador. Skilled immigrants often arrive with valuable qualifications and years of professional experience, yet many face challenges understanding how to have their credentials recognized and how to access careers that match their expertise.
The free information sessions will provide practical guidance on credential assessment services, professional regulatory bodies, educational upgrading opportunities, and pathways to employment in Newfoundland and Labrador. Participants will also learn where to find trusted information, how to avoid common mistakes, and what support services are available throughout the process.
In addition to providing information on foreign credential recognition, the sessions will also highlight how Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL and We Care Foundation of NL can support newcomers through mentorship, community connections, educational opportunities, and access to relevant resources.
Things began to change when she joined a local community cooking group. Through shared meals and conversations, she met people from different cultures, learned about Canadian traditions, and gained confidence speaking English. Those new friendships eventually led her to volunteer opportunities and part-time employment.
The program will provide a wide range of educational, cultural, recreational, and wellness activities that encourage participants to engage with fellow newcomers and local Canadians alike.
Organized by Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL, the event reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural understanding throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL regularly organizes community events, cultural celebrations, markets, and festivals that create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect, learn from one another, and build stronger communities.
The event will take place from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 1 Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s, and promises an exciting day filled with multicultural experiences, community connection, music, stories, traditions, and international flavors.
Many newcomers unknowingly become victims of online scams because they are still learning how different systems work in Canada. For example, some people receive fake emails pretending to be from banks, immigration offices, delivery companies, or even the Canada Revenue Agency asking them to click suspicious links or provide personal information. Others may come across fake job postings on Facebook or WhatsApp promising easy work permits or high-paying jobs, only to later realize they were scams asking for money or sensitive documents. There are also incidents where people use unsecured public WiFi at airports, shopping malls, coffee shops, or libraries, allowing hackers to access personal information, passwords, or banking details. Through this training session, participants will learn how to identify these common online threats, avoid phishing emails, recognize fake websites, and protect their personal data while using the internet.
The training will also focus on practical digital privacy skills such as creating strong passwords, using two-factor authentication (2FA), securing social media accounts, safely browsing online, and understanding how cybercriminals manipulate people using fear, urgency, or false promises.
This initiative reflects the continued commitment of Tombolo Multicultural Festival and We Care Foundation to support newcomers through education, community empowerment, and practical settlement resources. Community members are strongly encouraged to attend this valuable session on May 25, register for free using the QR code provided on the event poster, and take advantage of this important opportunity to learn how to better protect themselves and their families in today’s rapidly changing digital world.
The event, organized by Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL with the support of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, brought together a remarkable cross-section of employers spanning healthcare, education, finance, defence, and community services, creating an environment that organizers described as “positive and welcoming for everyone.”
Participants arrived throughout the day to meet directly with employer representatives, submit résumés, and learn about job openings across a wide range of sectors. For many newcomers toCanada, the event offered a rare and invaluable chance to navigate the local labour market with direct, face-to-face ac
The energy inside Bennet Hall reflected the significance of the occasion. Conversations between job seekers and hiring managers flowed freely, résumés changed hands, and networking continued well beyond the formal booths.
Participating Organisations
The diversity of participating organizations from major financial institutions like RBC and Scotiabank, to public health and defence underscored the breadth of employment pathways available to residents and newcomers alike in Corner Brook.