Zazu Dining is making waves in the West End dining scene with its opulent take on the classic Italian lasagne. Their version of this cult favourite is served with caviar and comes with an eye-popping price tag of $75 per serving.
Queensland celebrity chef Gillian Hirst initially crafted this singularly Australian interpretation of traditional Italian lasagne back in 1992. At the time, her sand crab lasagne, a departure from the traditional meat-based version, was an instant hit, with Il Centro, a now-closed fine dining establishment, serving an astonishing 400 portions of it each week.
Hirst shared her recipe for the sand crab lasagne with Jova Lou, the owner of Zazu Dining, who decided to revive this iconic dish for a new generation of food enthusiasts. The result is a lavish creation that boasts layers of creamy bechamel sauce and sand crab bolognese, bathed in a rich abalone bisque and crowned with a generous spoonful of black caviar.
Whilst this luxurious lasagne has captured the attention of foodies and social media aficionados, the price has raised more than a few eyebrows. At $75 per serving, it significantly surpasses the cost of the 1990s original.
Zazu Dining suggests that the portion can be shared between two people, but according to Queensland food journalist Anooska Tucker-Evans, who recently sampled and reviewed the dish, it “could easily be polished off by a hungry solo diner.”
However, the extravagantly priced lasagne is not the only unique offering on Zazu’s eclectic menu. Rather than adhering to a single culinary tradition, the restaurant, which opened in July 2023, has assembled a diverse array of global flavours.
Photo Credit: Zazu Dining/Facebook
Photo Credit: Zazu Dining/Facebook
Dishes such as edamame with truffled butter and smoked garlic salt ($9) coexist with Thai beef salad ($26) and Balkan-style kofte kebapi ($19). The menu features “eclectic oval pizzas” adorned with Middle-Eastern style lamb, while dumplings and bao buns share the spotlight with Szechuan duck pancakes and confit chicken roulade.
In an era where culinary fusion and daring experimentation continue to captivate diners, Zazu Dining’s extravagant lasagne has firmly established itself as a conversation piece within Brisbane’s vibrant culinary scene, offering a unique and indulgent dining experience that comes at a premium cost.
When Parched West End Brewery fell on hard times earlier this year, a family of three came to the rescue. Brad Sayer purchased the troubled brewery back in June with his wife Rita Ferraro and stepson Gibran Ferraro Firmo. After months of renovations and rebranding, The Brew Baron Beer Company is now open.
The rebranding brings a quirky ‘Baron’ character representing the owners’ commitment to quality and value. Customers can now enjoy a new deck, pool room, big screen TVs, leather sofas, improved food and drink menus, and the return of live music nights.
“My wife, stepson and I have purchased the brewery, and made the changes that we think will improve things, for our customers,” said Brad, who is the founder and managing director at The Brew Baron Beer Company.
Photo credit: The Brew Baron Beer Co/Facebook
At the helm in the kitchen is his stepson Gibran, a qualified chef who insists on only the freshest local ingredients to maximise flavour. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Gibran uses his culinary expertise to ensure the staff turn quality ingredients into mouthwatering dishes.
Photo credit: The Brew Baron Beer Co/Facebook
“Gibran is a qualified chef and has led improvements to the food menu by using fresher ingredients, introducing his native South American flavours and adding more value-for-money pricing,” Brad added.
“In the brewhouse, we’ve been fortunate to keep long-standing great brewer, Matt Wolfe, but given him greater autonomy to do what he does best – brew great beers. And we’ve changed the customer area to provide a more engaging and comfortable experience. Finally, our customers will find Gibran and/or me onsite, at all times, so they can approach us and share their thoughts directly with us,” he said.
Photo credit: The Brew Baron Beer Co/Facebook
The new Brew Baron aims to remain a small, family-owned West End brewery with the neighbourhood’s support.
Stop by The Brew Baron Beer Company to taste the improved brews and check out the new vibe. The baron’s doors are open 12:00 pm to late, Wednesday to Sunday at 391 Montague Rd. follow them on Facebook to learn more.
The developer, Pradella, has managed to strike a deal with the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), which has put an end to the relentless troubles and issues plaguing the construction site for the past four months.
Building industry insiders and sources have pointed out that it was likely the CFMEU orchestrating the sit-ins and blockades at The Lanes since April 2023. The situation escalated, causing a stalemate in construction progress.
The protests at The Lanes had prompted Pradella to go to extraordinary lengths, including hiring “special duty” police officers to work extra hours and overtime to safeguard the site. The disruptions had affected communication with buyers, causing uncertainties about the project’s progress and completion dates.
However, recent developments suggest that a breakthrough has been achieved, allowing construction to move forward once again.
Pradella released a statement expressing its satisfaction with the resolution of the protests at the West End construction site. The company mentioned that construction activities were now back in full swing, with the crane erected on the site. The delays caused by the protests had frustrated both Pradella and home buyers, as well as subcontractors involved in the project.
Photo Credit: Pradella
Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni, who initially placed blame on local environmental activists, specifically the Greens, seemed to shift his stance in light of the developments. Last month, Mr de Brenni hesitated to condemn the actions of the protesters, opting to lay the blame on the Greens for blocking housing projects.
When asked about the recent ceasefire and the involvement of CFMEU, Mr de Brenni refrained from giving a direct answer and reiterated his criticism of the Greens. Despite the apparent resolution, the exact details of the agreement between Pradella and CFMEU remain undisclosed.
The focus now shifts to the upcoming weeks as construction activities escalate, leading to increased progress at The Lanes, which promises to offer luxurious living spaces and amenities to the community.
Did you know that BlueCare started in August 1953 when Sister Olive Crombie, the first Blue Nurse, began making home visits to offer free nursing assistance to vulnerable people in West End?
This groundbreaking initiative was launched by the West End Methodist Mission, led by Reverend Arthur Preston with support from Sister Kathleen Anderson and other civic-minded citizens.
Moved by the hardship he witnessed during the Depression, Rev Preston recognised the dire need for in-home care in the post-war era when public health services were extremely limited.
West End Methodist Mission (Photo credit: BlueCare/Facebook)
Sister Olive Smith nee Crombie had just completed her obstetrics training in Melbourne when she received a letter from Rev Preston. At the time, she was not only in charge of the new Blue Nursing Service – she was the only sister leading the organisation’s efforts.
She dedicated herself to the role from day one, despite the job initially paying for just three weeks. The demand proved Rev Preston right – within a year, Blue Nursing had grown into a 24/7 operation, and had more part-time nurses assisting Sister Crombie.
What began as a small church outreach is now the trusted aged care and retirement provider BlueCare, still part of the UnitingCare Queensland family.
Cathay Thomas, Group General Manager Blue Care at UnitingCare Queensland, said they are proud to be continuing the wonderful work that Rev Preston and Sister Olive Crombie began all those decades ago.
“We’re not only dedicated to continuing to change the face of aged care in Queensland for the better, but to do this with the compassion and kindness for which we’ve always been renowned. It’s why we’ve been trusted for generations,” Ms Thomas said.
With the same spirit of compassion, BlueCare remains committed to improving senior care across Queensland.
Sister Crombie (Photo credit: BlueCare/Facebook)
Meanwhile, Sister Olive Crombie went on to serve as Director of Nursing in Ipswich until retiring with her husband Ed to a BlueCare retirement village on the Gold Coast. Even in retirement, she continued volunteering at Crossroads and Barnabas House. Sister Crombie passed away in 2018 at the age of 88, after dedicating her life to compassionate nursing care.
Get ready to embark on a journey to better health through the power of fermented foods at the Fermentation and Gut Health Workshop hosted by Gabrielle from Marcia’s on Montague in West End.
Scheduled from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on 24 Aug 2023, this workshop is poised to provide participants with valuable insights into the world of probiotics and their benefits.
Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the significance and inner workings of incorporating probiotic-rich foods into their diets. The event promises to be an enlightening experience, featuring hands-on demonstrations that will showcase just how simple it is to create a variety of fermented treats at home.
From yogurt and sauerkraut to kimchi, kombucha, and kefir, the workshop aims to inspire a newfound appreciation for the art of fermentation.
Renowned presenter, educator, author, and resident expert at Green Living Australia, Valerie Pearson, will lead the workshop. She will share her extensive knowledge on fermented foods and their positive impact on health. Throughout the event, Pearson will guide participants through the step-by-step process of fermenting vegetables.
The workshop will also cover techniques for crafting dairy and non-dairy yogurts, as well as other delights such as Quark, Kefir, and Kombucha. Ms Pearson will teach participants how to enhance their gut health that aligns with the growing body of research highlighting the vital role a diverse gut microbiome.
Marcia’s on Montague is an independently owned and family-operated establishment established in 1999. Marcia’s vision was to craft a haven in Brisbane, where individuals could indulge in the acquisition of premium homewares and gifts. The space was intended to be more than a store— it was meant to be an experience where customers could engage their senses and seek advice whilst shopping for gifts and items.
Souths Leagues Club supports aspiring young artists and young professionals in West End through Westoria, a series of local cabaret and theatre performances every Friday night that has breathednew life into the 100-year-old rugby league club.
Step right up and enter a realm of enchantment and astonishment – welcome to LIMINAL, the first of the many shows from Apt.13 Productions added to Westoria’s Friday Night line-up.
Fresh off acclaimed performances at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and as Emerging Theatre Makers Anywhere award winners from Queensland Theatre, this talented troupe is ready to transport you to a magical world of curiosities.
Photo supplied
As the first act in an exciting roster of shows at Westoria, LIMINAL blends clowns, magic, music, dance, and art into a spectacular tapestry of talents. Drawing on their background in stand-up comedy and Shakespearean theatre, Apt.13 Productions promises an experience like no other.
Photo supplied
But the wonders don’t stop there. In addition to the showstopping headliners, Westoria features local roving performers and live bands to complete the carnival atmosphere. The venue is dedicated to offering regular employment and creative opportunities for these gifted entertainers.
Photo supplied
Prepare to be dazzled by the hand-picked cast of quirky characters. Clara Cupcakes, the Queen of Cute, will win you over with her ukulele ditties and sweet-as-pie charm. The Pain Proof Pixie brings her delightful brand of weirdness, magic, and macabre acts to shock and amaze.
Photo supplied
Born of fantasy, Adorah Bubbles conjures nostalgic whimsy with her bubbles and rainbows. Burlesque artist Donna Mae Tricks turns up the heat with her saucy drag performances. And Stevie Bishop’s personalities and personas will take you on a wild ride.
With this incredible lineup of local performers, Souths Leagues Club and Westoria promises an unforgettable experience every Friday and Sunday night. Come witness the mysteries, laugh at the comedy, and fall under the spell of the cabaret. A whole new world awaits you at LIMINAL.
After leaving the army, Jon Atherton made a lucrative business selling memberships to a porn site. Then he successfully launched an iPhone app that showcased “wobbling body parts” to interested viewers. Today it seems that luck has not smiled on Mr Atherton for a third time as his latest venture, the Brisbane Distillery Company, folds.
After a recent court case that forced the business out of its premises due to unpaid rent, the Brisbane Distillery Company has entered into liquidation, with a hefty unsettled debt to creditors of over $1.3 million.
Daniel Moore, from BCR Advisory, has taken on the role of liquidator for the beleaguered distillery company.
Documents filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) by Mr Moore exposed debts of over $420,000 owed to the Australian Taxation Office.
Adding to the mounting problems were the outstanding amounts owed to the landlord and suppliers.
Jon Atherton founded the Brisbane Distillery Company in 2019 after leaving the army and enjoying success selling memberships to porn websites.
However, trouble soon arose when a court ordered the company to vacate its premises in May because Mr Atherton failed to pay the rent. The landlord claimed he had forcefully reclaimed the property after the locks were changed.
Mr Atherton staunchly denied any involvement in breaking into the building, insisting that he did nothing wrong. He explained that the past few years had been tough for the business due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a devastating flood that caused significant damage and losses.
In an effort to recoup some money, the company decided to sell its special double-decker bus in April. Painted navy blue and equipped with a full bar, the bus could accommodate up to 30 people, offering a unique drinking experience.
Before delving into the world of distilleries, Mr Atherton was known for selling memberships to porn websites through Spotwire Pty Ltd in the 1990s, boasting an impressive customer base of 92,983 individuals, each billed at $US21 ($AU30.8).
A serial entrepreneur, his ventures then extended beyond the adult entertainment industry into app development, where he gained notoriety with the controversial iPhone app “Wobble.”
This app allowed users to manipulate images, specifically wobbling body parts in their iPhone camera rolls. Its popularity soared, topping Japan’s App charts in 2009 with over 20,000 downloads in ten days.
However, this success was not without its share of controversy, as Apple requested the removal of references to “Boobs” and “Booty,” a request Mr Atherton firmly disputed.
The winter sunshine is beckoning, and the enchanting allure of Westoria: The Winter Edition has arrived in West End, promising a unique and mystical experience like never before. Brace yourselves for a journey into a world of weird and wonderful, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy as you step into the paradox of Westoria.
The debut of Westoria in the winter will be an unforgettable event, starting, Friday, 21 July 2023, and then again on Sunday, 23 July 2023. Prepare to be mesmerized by spooky and effervescent gypsies who will read your fortune, leaving you with chills down your spine. Immersion is the name of the game, and you’re invited to lose yourself in this magical wonderland.
But that’s not all – the fun doesn’t end with the launch. Westoria will be open every Friday from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. and every Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., making sure everyone gets a chance to experience the enchantment. Roving character actors will keep you entertained, and the presence of entertainers like Clara Cupcake, stilt walkers, and fire twirlers will leave you in awe.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Photo Credit: Supplied
For those who love music, the dedicated outdoor stage at Westoria will be the perfect spot to relax and groove to the sweet sounds of live musicians. So grab your blanket, find a cozy spot, and enjoy some boujee “grounding” in style. Add some puppy dates and picnic blankets to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for good vibes and unforgettable memories.
The foodies among you are in for a treat too! Every Friday, guests can indulge in freshly shucked oysters at the City Winery Pop-up to pair with the drinks!
Photo Credit: Supplied
And on Sundays, City Winery is partnering with Woombye Cheese to bring you the quintessential Westoria Sunday Sessions at Davies Park. The bespoke market, live music, and lush parkland will make West End come alive in a way you’ve never seen before. It’s a sesh that’s sure to beat the rest!
If rolling endlessly in the sunshine makes you stupidly happy, Westoria has just the thing. Rolla Bae are rolling up with their peachy-pink retro 1960s caravan, offering skate hire and roller discos on demand!
The fun is set for the whole family with a jumping castle, lawn games like giant jenja, giant connect four, croquet and bocce to name a few.
The best food trucks in SE QLD
Pop Up Bar
Glühwein (authentic mulled wine)
Roving character actors
Bonfires
Live music on the main stage
Artisan market stalls
Buskers
Lawn games
Artisan market stalls
Dog friendly
WESTORIA Fridays | 4pm – 10pm Sundays | 12pm – 8pm Launching on Friday July 21st 2023 120 Jane St, West End, QLD, 4101 Located next to the home of the Saturday West End Markets
Waves Barber Shop (also known as Langanis) has been completely overhauled as a nod to the evolving diversity and popularity of West End. In an effort to stay true to its roots, Waves will also be the brand’s very own practical hub where apprentice barbers gain experience with the tools before making their way up the ranks as qualified barbers.
One of them is Jasiah Mackie, an Indigenous Aussie who works as the Store Manager, alongside a host of other young and dissimilar barbers who all have one thing in common – they love what their company is bringing to the local community and they’re proud to be working for the ‘best barber shop in town.’
“Waves is a great example of how the Langanis brand is growing with their clientele and, as an indigenous Aussie and lead barber, I’m pumped to be a part of it,” barber Jasiah Mackie said.
Jasiah at Waves. Photo Credit: Instagram/Waves Barber Shop
Here are Jasiah’s thoughts about what it’s like as a young barber in West End.
How did you get into barbering?
I cut hair at Langanis once a week while I was in high school. I’ve been working with Langanis for four years now so I’m really happy to step up and take the lead at Waves.
What do you love most about the job?
Every single day is different – you never know what you could be doing or who you might be servicing. West End definitely keeps things interesting. There’s always something going on in the area and the vibes are really high around here lately. It’s a great spot. I also really love meeting new people. A lot of my friendships have been formed while barbering – it’s the best thing in the world. At the core of things though, I’ve always had a passion for art. I love painting, and cutting hair is just another expression of art for me.
Tell us a bit about the people you work with at Waves?
They’re a really diverse bunch, which is great. In store we around a dozen staff total, two others are also First Nations. We all get along really well and love what Langanis is doing at Waves and it’s awesome to be a part of it.
Photo Credit: Waves Barber Shop
What makes Waves different from other barbers?
We really aren’t your average barbershop. We’re trained by the best to provide the best, and Waves is cool because we can still do what we do but at a lower price point, making our service more available to everyday people. Our company really cares about providing that quality service and haircut for everyone, which I love.
Customers of Waves love the unique Bohemian-Moroccan décor and four different kinds of delicious coffee served whilst they wait. The shop offers a total grooming experience, with loyal customers coming in for the men’s style cut, full facial shave, and eyebrow shaping.
Popular cuts include the razor head shave, buzz cut, undercut, and men’s style cut. Children can get the “Little Man’s Cut” and they also have a special “Student’s Cut”on offer.
Beard trimming and waxing services are available as well.
A major development proposal for South Brisbane’s central Kurilpa precinct has entered the consultation phase, in the wake of recent disagreements and opposition to the plan.
The Kurilpa plan aims to transform the riverfront area to provide thousands of new homes whilst preserving the city’s character and lifestyle. However, the Kurilpa planning instrument has been the subject of contention, particularly surrounding the inclusion of affordable housing options.
Community groups like Kurilpa Futures and the West End Community Association (WECA) recently held a rally to express their opposition to the proposal. They argue that the plan will lead to extensive development in a flood-prone area and lack adequate social infrastructure to support the growing population.
Community groups also question the claim that the plan will increase the supply of affordable housing. They believe that the plan could drive land speculation, leading to even higher housing costs and displacing low to moderate-income residents.
Criticisms, protests from residents
On 17 July 2023, residents in South Brisbane took to the streets in protest this morning, opposing the Council’s plans to raise the height limit in the area to 90 storeys or 274 meters. WECA president Seleneah More criticized the Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) as “densification by stealth.” She argued that developers already had approved projects since 2018 in South Brisbane that would provide 1000 to 1500 new units, questioning the necessity for further height increases.
More further criticised the TLPI for not mandating affordable housing requirements for developers within the area. She pointed out that the Council’s definition of affordable housing meant rental prices only 10% below market rates, which fell short of the State Government’s definition of 30% below market rates.
The protesters also demanded a more extensive public consultation process, including drop-in sessions and opportunities for residents to engage with town planners.
In response, Deputy Mayor Krista Adams accused the protest of being influenced by “the Greens’ radical politicking,” though WECA and Kurilpa Futures have no connections to the Greens or any other political party. Adams argued that the Greens had opposed numerous housing projects, including 10,000 new homes in the Kurilpa Precinct, exacerbating the housing crisis.
State & Council addressing concerns
Last month, Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon wrote to Cr Schrinner, citing public concerns and stating it may block the proposal if it does not include adequate affordable and social housing, whilst also praising the inclusion of green spaces and sustainability initiatives in the Plan.
Photo Credit: BCC/DSDILGP
Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner have decided to proceed with the consultation phase for the proposal, confident that it will address the Minister’s concerns and allowing two weeks for public and industry feedback.
Mr Miles expressed support for enhancing housing supply and reducing urban sprawl in the region but maintained his reservations about the availability of affordable options. He emphasised the need for the proposed temporary local planning instrument to focus on increasing housing supply, affordability, and diversity.
For its part, Brisbane City Council remains confident in the Kurilpa plan’s ability to provide suitable measures to address the points raised by the Housing Minister in her missive and urged the government not to allow any red tape from stopping any new homes being built in the midst of a housing crisis.
“I welcome the State Government’s decision to progress our Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct plan to the next stage,” Cr Schrinner said.
“The Kurilpa plan will deliver thousands of new homes while protecting the character of Brisbane’s suburbs and the lifestyle our residents love.
“In exchange for CBD-style height limits, residential buildings throughout Kurilpa will need to meet higher sustainability standards and deliver community benefits, such as housing diversity and affordability and public facilities.
“Given the area’s incredible existing connectivity to train, bus and active transport infrastructure, Kurilpa will be Brisbane’s most sustainable community, where owning a car really is optional.”
Consultation process opened
The consultation process for the Kurilpa plan aims to collect opinions from various stakeholders, community members, and industry representatives, with a particular emphasis on assessing the potential impact of the Kurilpa plan on housing supply and affordability.
A feedback portal has been set up, where residents can submit their comments and concerns regarding the proposed changes until 26 July 2023.
The feedback from the consultation will be considered along with advice from the Planning Department before a final decision is made. If approved, the Kurilpa plan will undergo an additional public consultation process and take 18 months to two years to be incorporated into the local planning scheme.
Maurice McCallum, a spokesperson for Kurilpa Futures, expressed concerns that South Brisbane was already projected to have an additional 36,000 residents by 2046 under the existing height limits. But he also said that the TLPI’s maximum height would lead to an increase of 120,000 residents, resulting in an overcrowded population density.
