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Beefing Up the Menu: West End’s Grown Cafe Goes Omni

West End’s popular vegan cafe Grown has recently made the unexpected decision to add meat offerings like fried chicken and bacon to their traditionally plant-based menu.

Read: Lekki by Little Lagos Brings Hard-to-Find Tastes of Nigeria to West End

Operating since 2017, Grown has built a loyal customer base around their meatless dishes like the smashed avocado, slow roasted mushrooms, and baby beet salad. However, the owners noticed the business struggled to stay afloat catering solely to vegans and vegetarians.

Grown’s traditional plant-based menu (Photo credit: @grown_bne/Instagram)

Now diners can order mainstream favourites like eggs and bacon with their Grown breakfasts. The famous Eggs Benedict comes with the option of adding Gympie nitrate-free bacon or fried chicken, besides avocado or smoked salmon. Even the cafe’s famous QLD Pumpkin gnocchi can be ordered with southern fried chicken.

The cafe’s new dinner menu (Photo credit: Grown/Google Maps)

They even offer a southern style fried chicken burger, which customers can opt to add bacon to for a true meat overload feast.

Initially, Grown kept about 65 percent of menu items plant-based to continue catering to their original vegan customer base. However, within just a few months of adding meat options, demand from meat-eating customers led to a reversal – now only a small portion of offerings like forest mushroom on toast and smashed avo remain vegan.

Eggs Benedict Fried Chicken with house made pepper berry hollandaise (Photo credit: @grown_bne/Instagram)

Despite these big changes in their menu, Grown cafe sets itself apart by incorporating native Australian flavours into both its vegan and omnivore offerings. Expect to see bush pepper mayo, wattleseed balsamic, and saltbush potato positively influencing familiar dishes.

The menu continues to change seasonally based on available produce, and craft beers and Australian wines complement the evolving dinner selections.

Read: New Wine and Vermouth Bar to Grace Brisbane’s West End

The addition of animal products to Grown’s menu represents a major shift for the formerly vegan cafe. Whilst the change has been controversial among some loyal plant-based customers, it has also succeeded in attracting new meat-eating patrons.

One thing is clear – to stay in business, sometimes restaurants have to evolve. Grown is striving to strike that delicate balance.

Find Grown at Shop G03/21 Buchanan St, West End.

Published 5-February-2024

BrisAsia 2024 Promises Vibrant Celebration of Asian Culture

Get ready to welcome the Year of the Dragon with a roar! Brisbane’s iconic BrisAsia festival returns February 1-18, transforming the city into a vibrant tapestry of Asian culture.

Read: New Wine and Vermouth Bar to Grace Brisbane’s West End

Over 20 exciting events across 11 suburbs will showcase the best of music, dance, food and art. Festival highlights include the return of popular events like Southside by Night, Laneway ParTEA, BrisAsia Dance, BrisAsia Pop Weekend, and BrisAsia ParTEA.

There will also be new additions this year including a lively street festival in Fish Lane showcasing authentic Asian culture through art, music, and food as well as a Dumpling Festival at Southside Restaurant Fish Lane.

Brisasia — Southside Dumpling Festival (Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says the diverse festivities celebrate Brisbane’s multicultural identity, embracing the many cultures that make the city a dynamic place to live.

“A new street festival will fill Fish Lane with authentic cultural elements, as LUSH transforms West End into a must-visit destination complete with street art, live music and delicious culinary delights,” said Cr Schrinner.

“Foodies are invited to secure their spot at Southside Restaurant Fish Lane for an all-new Dumpling Festival, where they can dine on authentic dumplings and dim sum crafted by renowned sous-chef Benny Lam.

“The 2023 event saw more than 24,000 people get involved in the cultural celebrations, and with another fantastic line up of free and affordable events, we hope to build on that great success,” he added.

Read: Authentic Asian Flavours Meet Aussie Brews at West Village’s Goodtime Restaurant

Executive Producer Dr Anthony Garcia promises attendees the chance to experience world-class Asian entertainment as over 500 artists and creatives bring traditional and contemporary culture to life. With last year drawing over 24,000 festival-goers, interest is sure to be high for this can’t-miss celebration of community and culture.

Published 29-January-2024

Metro Arts in West End Faces Federal Arts Funding Loss

Metro Arts, a prominent multi-arts organisation based in West End, has recently faced a major setback as it failed to secure four-year funding from Creative Australia, sending ripples of distress through the artistic community that heavily relies on its support.

Despite its deep historical roots in Queensland’s cultural landscape and a track record of supporting emerging artists, Metro Arts is now grappling with an uncertain future beyond 2025.

In 2023, Metro Arts provided support to over 400 artists, contributed to the development of 32 new Australian works, and welcomed more than 32,000 patrons to its gallery and theatre spaces. Although Metro Arts’ leaders say this funding loss won’t shut them down, it’s a big setback that limits their ability to support artists beyond 2025.

A Transition in 2019

Metro Arts underwent a significant transition in 2019 when it relocated from its historic CBD venue to a new development in West End. This move injected substantial funds into the organisation. However, within a volatile six-month period, the sale of the CBD building, securing four-year funding from the Australia Council, and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented both opportunities and challenges.

To deal with financial challenges, Metro Arts started the Metro Arts Future Fund in 2020, with over $6 million to start. The portfolio grew in 2021, but there were big losses in 2022. Executive Director Genevieve Trace says they need to protect the main money and reinvest earnings for long-term sustainability, a strategy common in the philanthropic world.

The Metro Arts Future Fund

Former CEO Jo Thomas and current Executive Director Genevieve Trace are puzzled and frustrated by Creative Australia‘s decision. This situation raises worries about small to medium arts groups’ financial future, how federal funding is assessed, and what it means for Queensland’s art scene.

Creative Australia’s change from using “peer assessors” to “industry consultants” in the latest funding round has Metro Arts leaders questioning their methods. They say this doesn’t match the needs of the arts, especially groups that promote interdisciplinary work.

Metro Arts West End — Photo Credit: MetroArts/Facebook

Queensland’s share of federal arts funds is part of the problem, with the state getting only 8 per cent of the total funds compared to Victoria and New South Wales. The leaders are frustrated and want a more equal distribution of resources and more involvement from Creative Australia with states other than Sydney and Melbourne.

In response to Creative Australia’s criticism, Executive Director Genevieve Trace wrote an open letter defending Metro Arts’ impact. They are now planning for the future, focusing on resilience and adapting while still supporting Brisbane artists, even if it’s on a smaller scale. Board Chair Fiona Hawthorne stresses that their organisation remains artist-focused.

Metro Arts’ legacy in the Queensland arts scene is rich, boasting notable alumni such as Wesley Enoch AM, Vernon Ah Kee, Gemma Smith, Robert Andrew, Liesel Zink, The Farm, Dead Puppets Society, and Dan Evans. This organisation has played a vital role in nurturing talent across various artistic disciplines, including theatre, visual arts, and contemporary and interdisciplinary practices.

New Wine and Vermouth Bar to Grace Brisbane’s West End

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Nicholas Sebar and Shaun Kelly, two accomplished figures in Brisbane’s hospitality industry, are gearing up to launch Bar Hugo in West End.

Both hailing from impressive backgrounds, with Mr Sebar formerly managing the award-winning Savile Row in Fortitude Valley and Mr Kelly having served as maître d’ at South Brisbane’s Bacchus, the duo is set to infuse the heart of West End with a unique blend of top-notch wines, vermouths, classic cocktails, and European cuisine.

The decision to establish Bar Hugo comes after years of contemplation by Mr Sebar and Mr Kelly, driven by an undeniable opportunity presented by the property along Hardgrave Rd. Nestled in West End, this locale boasts abundant potential, featuring a lush garden at the rear, alfresco footpath dining at the front, and a compact kitchen ready to churn out their delectable European-style offerings.

An Inviting Ambiance

Anticipate a transformation of this blank canvas into a welcoming haven, marked by an abundance of timber elements complemented by vibrant splashes of yellow.

Bar Hugo will accommodate approximately 60 patrons, offering seating at the bar, dining tables, and comfortable leather booths. Mr Sebar envisions this establishment as the type of place you casually stroll by and pop in for a drink.

Inside Bar Hugo, patrons will have the delightful task of choosing from an impressive selection of around 60 wines and 20 vermouths, along with an array of low-ABV cocktails, including the signature “Hugo spritz.”

Mr Sebar aims to strike a balance between old-school charm and modern production techniques in the wine list, offering a captivating mix of old and new-world wines, with an emphasis on outstanding French and Australian selections.

Vermouth Exploration

The vermouth selection at Bar Hugo will span various regions, encompassing Australian, French, Italian, and Spanish varieties, alongside other intriguing discoveries handpicked by Sebar himself. The focus here is on showcasing the diversity of vermouths worldwide and their ability to shine as stars in cocktails.

Complementing this diverse beverage menu, Bar Hugo will offer classic European wine bar fare, including bread, cured meats, crudo, two protein dishes, including fish, two vegetarian options, a tantalizing cheese selection, and delectable desserts. Sebar underscores that the cuisine will be substantial, served in an entree-sized style.

Bar Hugo is fervently working towards its grand opening, targeting late February or early March. This venture promises to be a delightful addition to Brisbane’s ever-evolving culinary and nightlife landscape, beckoning patrons to explore a world of delightful flavours and libations in the heart of West End.

Published 17-Jan-2024

New Housing Proposed at Historic Dixon’s Tannery Site in West End

A new residential development is being proposed for the former site of Dixon’s Tannery, a heritage-listed tannery in West End.

Read: Altura: The New Apex of Urban Living in West Village, West End

The project calls for constructing an 84-unit, 10-storey apartment tower on the site of Dixon’s Tannery at 439 Montague Road, whilst preserving the original 19th century tannery building.

Dixon’s Tannery History

Dixon’s Tannery brick factory building was originally constructed in 1893 by Thomas Coar Dixon, after an earlier tannery was destroyed in Brisbane floods that year.

For nearly eight decades, Dixon’s Tannery played a major role in the industrial development of South Brisbane before closing in 1970. The well-known leather production business was an influential commercial enterprise in the area during the early 20th century.

To maintain the heritage integrity of the site, the new residential development proposal calls for preserving the original 19th century Dixon’s Tannery structure, whilst demolishing a later westward extension from the early 1900s.

“Through the proposed development there remains an intent to celebrate the history of the site through the incorporation of the original building as the main entry and communal space and with inclusion of two exclusive ‘heritage units’. The new building has also been designed to frame the original building and ensure it remains the primary focus of the site,” planners from Urban Strategies stated.

Plans

The proposed development, known as ‘The Tannery Residences’, will contain 84 residential dwellings in total. It is being developed by the construction firm McNab which enlisted Cottee Parker Architects for the design.

There will be 33 two-bedroom units and 51 three-bedroom units included in the 10-storey apartment tower.

The design provides ample communal open space, with 1,582 sqm located on the ground floor and rooftop garden.

Parking will consist of 161 spaces, including 149 for residents on levels 1-3, 2 visitor spaces and 2 accessible spaces on level 1.There will also be 105 bicycle parking spots – 84 for residents and 21 for visitors on level 1.

Unlike many developments, this project will not include underground basement parking. Instead, parking will be located on the above-ground levels. This decision was made to reduce any potential disturbance to the existing heritage building on the site during construction.

According to planners, placing parking above ground avoids concerns over soil conditions and possible foundation shifts that excavation could cause. They say this parking approach highlights the thoughtful and considerate way the development aims to integrate with the historic structure.

Read: Star-Studded Past: Historic Kinauld Residence in Highgate Hill and its Hollywood Guests

The proposed development’s integration of the new apartment tower and the adapted historic Dixon’s Tannery building highlights the potential for adaptive reuse to connect a site’s past and future.

If approved, The Tannery Residences would join old and new on a site bearing many eras of West End’s history.

Published 14-January-2024

delicious. Celebrates The Flavours of West End

Photo Credit: Facebook / Quan Thanh

Three West End dining places have recently been recognised at the ‘delicious. 100 Best of the Best’ awards as standout gastronomic experiences in a suburb where the dining scene has grown increasingly eclectic and diverse.

Quan Thanh’s Luscious Laksa Secures Second Spot for the Laksa Category

At Quan Thanh, a family-run establishment, the aroma of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Malaysian fusion cuisine tantalises taste buds. Their famed laksas, embracing vermicelli and hokkien noodles, deliver a symphony of flavours. Options abound: chicken, beef, barbecue pork, vegetables, crispy skin chicken, roast duck, or the signature seafood mix featuring squid, prawns, fish, puffed tofu, and fish balls. The daring can opt for an extra spicy kick, elevating the culinary adventure.

Quan Thanh on Facebook

Cà Phê Nam’s Authentic Pho Transports Palates to Hanoi

Cà Phê Nam, nestled amidst West End’s vibrant tapestry, claims the fifth spot for the Pho category, offering an authentic taste of Hanoi with its fragrant Pho. This culinary haven perfects the art of Pho, achieving a delicate sweetness through meticulous simmering and herbal balance. Tender beef, silky noodles, and a harmonious combination tantalise the senses, capturing the essence of this Vietnamese classic.

Cà Phê Nam on Facebook

Anita Gelato: A Sweet Symphony in Third Place for Ice Cream Category

Anita Gelato, the Brisbane outpost of a globally-renowned gelato shop, beckons dessert enthusiasts with queues that snake out its doors. Crafted using the freshest local ingredients, their hand-made frozen delights encompass over 150 diverse varieties. From frozen yoghurts and sorbets to sugar-free, fat-free, soy-based, and real cream-based ice creams, flavours like Snickers and pavlova tempt those seeking pure indulgence.

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Published 18-December-2023

Ambitious Public Transit Expansion Proposal Includes West End to Bulimba Route

A new plan has been proposed to add high-frequency bus routes to Brisbane’s public transport network, including a route that would connect West End to Bulimba.

Read: Toowong to West End Green Bridge Project Faces Uncertain Future Amidst Brisbane Budget Cuts

The West End to Bulimba route is one of 15 new high-frequency bus routes proposed as part of the ‘Brissie Bus Boost.’ The new routes would double the number of services that directly link Brisbane suburbs without requiring commuters to travel through the CBD.

The route, which is being championed by the Greens for years, was previously called the “Green CityGlider.” It would provide a key east-west connection between the high-density residential areas of West End and Woolloongabba and destinations like major schools, hospitals, job centres, and the Bulimba high street shopping area.

Green CityGlider (Photo credit: jonathansri.com)

The planned route would start at the Woolworths in the Montague Markets in West End. It would go along Vulture Street, going through Woolloongabba and East Brisbane on the way to the eastern neighbourhoods.

After passing through Norman Park, it would get to Bulimba using Wynnum Road. But based on input from Bulimba residents, the route was changed to take Riding Road instead of Hawthorne Road through Bulimba. It would keep going along Oxford Street before ending at the ferry terminal in Bulimba.

According to the Greens’ mayoral candidate Jonathan Sriranganathan, this route could easily be expanded over the Brisbane River to service Newstead and Teneriffe later on, if infrastructure like a bus, walking and biking bridge gets built.

‘Brissie Bus Boost’

Under the plan, there will be a total of 15 new and 10 improved existing routes that would span 395 kilometres across Brisbane. The number of high-frequency routes would rise from 21 to 43, enhancing public transit connectivity throughout the city according to the Greens.

Numerous routes would offer direct links to local schools so students can take the bus rather than rely on parents and carers for transportation.

“By creating new inter-suburban routes, buses will become a real option for thousands of people who just need to get a few suburbs over for work, shopping or to see friends. Almost 400km of major road corridor will get a high-frequency ‘turn up and go’ bus service for the very first time,” Sriranganathan said.

The Greens have said they welcome feedback on the proposal, stating that public transit should be widely accessible regardless of driving ability or car ownership status.

Read: BCC Wants Law Amended to Allow Multiple Parking Fines Be Issued via Mail

They believe thousands of Brisbane residents could avoid frustrations over parking, fuel costs, and traffic congestion if an efficient, conveniently accessible transit system was in place as a viable alternative to private vehicles.

Published 13-December-2023

Altura: The New Apex of Urban Living in West Village, West End

West Village in West End welcomes its latest addition, the Altura tower, marking a significant step in the area’s ongoing transformation.

Altura is a symbol of luxury urban living, blending innovative design with wellness-centric amenities. This development is particularly notable as it readies to welcome more than 350 new residents into its 146 luxury wellness units.

Built by Sekisui House Australia, Altura is a lifestyle choice. The tower is designed with a neuro-architectural approach, aiming to foster wellness through its design, textures, and colours. Residents can enjoy a range of exclusive amenities, including an infinity-edge pool, a magnesium spa, an outdoor kitchen and BBQ area with a sunken fire pit, a library, cinema rooms, and productivity pods for workspaces.

Altura West End West Village — Photo Credit: Lucas Muro/Supplied

These features cater to a growing demand for living spaces that support health and well-being in urban environments.

“Altura embodies this principle by incorporating greenery vertically up the building, benefiting not only the residences and balcony environments, but also the surrounding buildings in the broader West Village community,” Nettletontribe Director David Cohen said.

“The design of the balconies and the façade were key to delivering a quality space for each residence that achieved outlook and connection to the natural environment, including access to natural light and ventilation.”

The Historical Context: West Village’s Transformation

West Village, the site of Altura, holds a rich history, once housing the iconic Peters Ice Cream Factory. Established in 1928, this site was integral to Brisbane’s industrial and cultural heritage. The factory, known for inventing the popular chocolate-filled ice cream cone, is a cherished part of the city’s past.

In 2015, plans for West Village’s transformation were unveiled, signaling a shift from its industrial roots to a modern, mixed-use urban precinct. This change aimed to integrate residential, retail, and cultural spaces while respecting the site’s historical significance.

“West Village provides an unparalleled setting, combining heritage, environmental connectivity, creativity, and health and wellness aspects that encourage residents and visitors to thrive,” West Village Project Director Taku Hashimoto said.

“It also boasts a 99 out of 100 Walk Score, enabling residents to easily access the precinct’s Harris Farm Markets, Goodlife Health Clubs, medical and beauty hubs, and the 25-plus retail and dining options.

“We are proud to deliver Altura as part of the West Village master plan and provide its soon-to-be residents with multi-sensory, luxury living and innovation, all within a vibrant community and a stone’s throw from the city.”

Future Developments: Continuing the Evolution of West Village

With the addition of Altura, West Village continues its urban revitalisation. But the development doesn’t stop here. Plans are in place for further additions, including the Allere Collection, which promises to be pet-friendly and feature unique amenities like rooftop pools and an off-leash rooftop dog space, dubbed the Paw Pavilion.

The opening of Altura marks a new chapter in the evolution of West Village, West End. From its beginnings as an iconic ice cream factory to its current status as a hub of modern urban living, West Village reflects the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of urban development.

Published 7-Dec-2023

West End to Join Brisbane’s Expanding Food Waste Recycling Initiative

The expansion of Brisbane’s food waste recycling service will include more than 5,290 new households, with West End being a key area in this initiative.

Residents along designated collection routes in West End will be directly contacted regarding their inclusion in the service. Households with existing green waste recycling bins will receive caddies, and those without can request a green bin from the Council. Residents in multi-unit dwellings can apply for the service, with eligibility assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This plan is a part of the Council’s “Towards Zero Waste” strategy, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of waste and enhance Brisbane’s reputation as a clean, green, and sustainable city.

Expansion Details

Set to commence from 1 Feb 2024, the expansion will add to the 7,000 households already benefiting from the service since its launch in March 2022. The added areas covered in this phase include Carina, Carina Heights, Norman Park, Westlake, New Farm, East Brisbane, and notably, West End.

“Brisbane is renowned as a clean, green and sustainable destination and our Council team is determined to maintain and enhance that reputation,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner highlighted the importance of this initiative.

To avoid issues faced by other councils, Brisbane City Council is taking a careful approach to the rollout. This includes ensuring the proper infrastructure for converting food waste into compost and keeping residents well-informed about recycling guidelines to minimize contamination.

“We’ve already introduced food waste recycling to thousands of Brisbane households and as part of the strategy we committed to expanding this service citywide over the next four years,” said Cr Schrinner.

Public Feedback and Strategy Consultation

The Council will open public consultation on the draft “Towards Zero Waste Strategy” from 24 Nov to 24 Dec 2023. This strategy includes several initiatives like rebates for incinerators, support for compost bins and worm farms, the introduction of community-based recycling hubs, and new park recycling bins.

“Our Towards Zero Waste strategy is all about helping residents recycle more while also reducing the impost from the State Government’s waste levy which continues to increase year-on-year,” Cr Schrinner emphasised.

The initiative aims to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and transforming food scraps into valuable compost.

“You will be helping to reduce food and garden waste going to landfill where it produces greenhouse gases. Your food waste will also be turned into valuable compost that will be used on farms, gardens, and in public spaces,” the Council explained.

Published 4-Dec-2023

Authentic Asian Flavours Meet Aussie Brews at West Village’s Goodtime Restaurant

West Village in West End is welcoming an exciting new dining destination just in time for the holidays. Goodtime, brought to you by the team behind the popular Longtime Yum Cha in Queens Plaza, will be an authentic Asian street food restaurant and craft beer bar.

Read: Lekki by Little Lagos Brings Hard-to-Find Tastes of Nigeria to West End

Andrew Yu and Beverley Teo have made a name for themselves with Longtime Yum Cha’s delightful dim sum, fresh seafood, and creative cocktails. Now, they are drawing inspiration from the casual gatherings and flavour-packed dishes of Asian alleyways and Australian neighbourhood pubs.

The pan-Asian menu will highlight flying noodle bowls whilst more adventurous eaters can explore the bao bun bar. Locally brewed beers on tap will complement the food and give patrons a taste of Australia’s exceptional craft beer scene.

In addition, Goodtime will pay homage to the traditional yum cha experience by offering an all-you-can-eat option. For them, yum cha is so much more than the food. It’s about bringing people together to laugh, talk, and make new memories over a drink and plates of dumplings.

The venue itself will transport guests across the Pacific, channelling a dash of metropolitan energy blended with suburban comfort. The 100-seat indoor/outdoor space will have ample seating options – from bar tables for grabbing a quick bite to banquettes perfect for lingering over cocktails. They will also have a patio, setting the stage for balmy Brisbane nights.

West Village is thrilled to add this “unique, vibrant dining option to the neighbourhood,” particularly with the holidays right around the corner. Goodtime’s treasured recipes, relaxed vibe, and celebration of community through food promise something for everyone.

Read: Yamas Greek & Drink Named Best Greek Restaurant in Southeast QLD

Look for Goodtime next to Cheeky Poke at 97 Boundary Street at the West Village, with a targeted mid-December opening. Follow them on Facebook for updates.

Published 1-December-2023