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Young Car Thief Strike West End Car Yard, Takes Joy Ride Past Cleveland Youth Detention Centre

A daring car theft took place in West End, where a black Audi A3 was stolen by a young individual from the Wheelz and Wheelz car dealership on Ingham Rd.

The incident took place around 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday, 25 Oct 2023. Local authorities are now investigating the incident that saw the stolen car involved in a dramatic joy ride past the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre just an hour later.

A black Audi A3, left unlocked in the car yard of Wheelz and Wheelz, was snatched by an opportunistic young thief. The stolen car, worth thousands, was driven away from the dealership, leaving both the staff and owners in shock. Police were alerted immediately and launched an investigation into the theft.

Less than an hour after the car was stolen, the stolen Audi A3 was spotted by members of the public. It was seen driving in convoy with a stolen white Toyota HiLux outside the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre, located on Old Common Rd, Belgian Gardens. The stolen vehicles were making laps near the detention centre, creating a spectacle for onlookers.

The stolen Toyota HiLux, a separate case in itself, was reported stolen from the Walkabout Palms caravan park in Wulguru. The theft occurred sometime between 8:30 p.m. on Monday and 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday. The vehicle had its rear and side windows smashed, indicating it had been forcefully accessed.

Local law enforcement agencies are now working tirelessly to resolve the case. The theft of the Audi A3 and the subsequent joy ride near the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre has raised concerns about the safety and security of vehicles in the West End area.

Police are urging residents to take extra precautions when leaving their cars unattended, ensuring they are securely locked to prevent such incidents in the future.

Published 27-Oct-2023

West End’s Davies Park to Shine for the 25th MS Moonlight Walk Anniversary

The 25th annual MS Moonlight Walk will illuminate Brisbane, starting at Davies Park in West End on Saturday, October 28 to raise critical funds and awareness for Queenslanders living with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Read: Remembering the First Blue Nurse, Sister Olive Crombie, as BlueCare Marks 70 Years in West End

Marking a quarter century of the iconic fundraising event, this year’s walk promises to be the biggest and brightest yet. Participants can choose from 3km, 5km, or 10km courses that will be lined with glowing lanterns and roving entertainers to celebrate the walk’s 25th anniversary.

The after-dark walk brings together people of all ages and abilities united in their passion to create a world free of multiple sclerosis. Wheelchair accessible 3km and 5km courses ensure the event is open to all.

Photo credit: MS Moonlight Walk/Facebook

At the heart of the experience is the walk’s breathtaking signature sea of lanterns. Lighting up the Brisbane River and the city’s parks and landmarks, such as the Wheel of Brisbane, Brisbane River, the lanterns create a spectacle of hope and solidarity for the over 5,500 Queenslanders living with multiple sclerosis.

Dollar Match Day is back this year, which means every online donation will be matched (up to $10,000). As of 23 October 2023, the organisation has a total of $10,000 matched for the upcoming event.

Funds raised through the event this year will provide critical services like the NeuroAssist information line, NDIS access support, specialist nursing care and wellness programs run by MS Queensland.

With MS having no known cause or cure, support for Queenslanders living with the condition remains as vital today as when the first Moonlight Walk was held 25 years ago.

Read: Homeless Man Shares His Passion for Piano Outside QPAC

Registrations for the 25th anniversary MS Moonlight Walk on October 28, which will start at 3:00 p.m. are still open at https://www.moonlightwalk.com.au/.

Published 26-October-2023

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

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / .brisbane.qld.gov.au/

Did you know that Brisbane City Council is pushing for law amendments that would eliminate the need to issue and leave multiple parking fines on car windows?

Currently, State laws allow Councils to physically issue multiple parking fines to vehicles that stay beyond the timed limit. That means infringement notices can be issued each and every time a violation is committed but these should be physically placed on the erring vehicle.

BCC wants to change this, saying that the practice of issuing paper tickets has become unnecessary . Instead, they are suggesting that parking fines be issued in the mail, similar to how it is done with mobile speed camera fines. State Government law does allow Councils to use the mail service but only when issuing a single fine to a vehicle. They are not allowed to do it with multiple fines.

The issue was raised at the Local Government Association of Queensland’s (LGAQ) annual conference. The council called on the state government to look into changing the law so that the council will no longer need to physically issue a fine and place it on the vehicle for every instance of overstaying a time parking limit.

The council’s objective is to encourage the rapid turnover of parking spaces, supporting local businesses whilst discouraging parking in clearways, which can disrupt the flow of traffic for numerous other motorists.

Brisbane City Council is well-equipped to implement such a change. It already operates mobile enforcement vehicles equipped with a number plate recognition system, a technology that streamlines the enforcement of parking violations.

Although the council has taken a stance on the matter, the response from the state government is yet to be determined. A spokesperson for the state’s Department of Transport and Main Roads explained that the existing laws aim to provide drivers with a reasonable opportunity to move their vehicles after receiving a fine before incurring further fines. However, if a council only intends to issue one fine, the spokesman said that it can be accomplished via mail.

Published 25-October-2023

Yamas Greek & Drink Named Best Greek Restaurant in Southeast QLD

West End restaurant Yamas Greek & Drink was recently awarded ‘Best Greek Restaurant for Southeast Queensland’ at the 2023 Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence.

Read: Kurtosh Brings European-inspired Pastries And Cakes To West End

As the winner in this category, Yamas has earned a spot as a national finalist for the Hostplus Awards for Excellence as the best Greek restaurant, which will be announced in November 2023 in Sydney.

Yamas bested several other Brisbane finalists to claim the regional title, including The Opa Bar and Mezze (also operated by Yamas’ parent company), Xenia in Main Beach, and Xenia Grill in Coolangatta.

The Greek restaurant is operated by the Tassis Group, the hospitality company behind other popular Brisbane eateries like Fatcow Steak & Lobster and Opa Bar and Mezze. The hospitality group is well-known in Brisbane, having recently won the contract to open two new dining venues at the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge.

Best Greek Restaurant — Photo credit: Yamas Greek/Facebook

Yamas Greek & Drink, which first opened in 2022, specialises in the flavours of Thessaloniki with a modern West Village vibe. Their menu offers Greek delicacies with a seafood focus.

Their cocktails and traditional Greek banquet platters, served family-style with taramasalata (dip), sausage, salad, and lemon potatoes, are a big draw for diners. The lamb souvlaki, marinated and slow-cooked on a spit, served with lemon rice pilaf, raisins, herbs, and tzatziki, is another standout menu item. For dessert, the galaktoboureko custard pastry is a favourite among patrons.

This recent honour from the Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence cements Yamas’ reputation as one of the top Greek dining options in the area. To learn more about Yamas’ offerings, visit their website or check out their Facebook page.

Read: Caviar-Topped Lasagne at West End’s Zazu Dining Wows With Its $75 Price Tag

About the Restaurant & Catering Awards

The annual Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence formally honour hospitality businesses across a wide range of categories. The awards celebrate operators who deliver outstanding service and showcase culinary mastery in their respective niches.

It’s established by the Restaurant & Catering Australia, which represents over 57,000 restaurants, cafes and catering businesses across Australia.

Through its Awards for Excellence awards, Restaurant & Catering Australia celebrates the achievements of its thousands of hospitality operators.

Published 19-October-2023

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

Brisbane’s highly anticipated Toowong to West End Green Bridge is now in limbo, as the city authorities recently announced budget cuts, forcing an indefinite pause on the project.

Read: How Boundary St Building Evolved From Tristram Soft Drink Factory To West End Shopping Centre

The project, already experiencing delays, was set to enter a detailed design phase later this year. However, Brisbane City Council’s decision to cut spending by 10 percent as a response to the ongoing global inflation crisis has now placed the future of the bridge in uncertainty.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner revealed that the Council would implement a significant $400 million spending cut in its 2023/2024 budget.

Cr Schrinner justified this emergency budget cut as a critical measure to prevent a forecasted budget blowout in the coming year, driven by escalating costs of construction labour, materials, and services.

Artist’s impression of the bridge’s rest point (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Flickr)

The Toowong to West End Green Bridge, which is one of the four green bridges planned for the city, will be impacted.

The council had previously unveiled the concept design for the green bridge, which is built upon the favoured alignment stretching from the southeast corner of 600 Coronation Drive, Toowong, to Orleigh Park (near Forbes Street), West End.

Beyond the Green Bridges program, other areas affected by the budget cuts include the Brisbane Metro, advertising, consultants, travel expenses, and councillor ward budgets. Notably, the shading project for Victoria Bridge, estimated at $5 million, has also been halted indefinitely.

Cr Schrinner defended the decision, drawing parallels between the Council’s approach and responsible household budgeting. He stressed the importance of spending less to prevent residents from facing higher costs, resulting in Council planning to reduce its daily spending by $1.6 million from its $4.2 billion budget.

Despite the severity of the cuts, the Lord Mayor assured that there would be no staff redundancies or impacts on waste collection services.

Read: Kurilpa Plan Moves to Consultation Phase Amidst Controversy

The adoption of these measures seems to be a calculated step aimed at preventing potential increases in rates, particularly in light of the approaching election year. As Brisbane residents anticipate the consequences, the future of various significant projects, such as the Toowong to West End Green Bridge, remains uncertain.

Published 18-October-2023

Cinnamon and Co. Closes as Vegan Dining Struggles

Photo Credit: Facebook / Cinnamon and Co.

The once-booming vegan dining scene in Queensland has hit a rough patch, with several plant-based eateries facing closures and others reluctantly introducing meat options to stay afloat. Cinnamon and Co, a beloved plant-based cafe in Brisbane’s West End, which announced its closure on October 8, cited the challenging financial climate as the primary reason for the sudden closure.

Economic conditions, coupled with the challenge of catering to a limited vegan demographic, have made it increasingly difficult for many vegan restaurants to survive. This sentiment was echoed by Cinnamon and Co Vegan Cafe owner Tasia Amber.

“I imagine this comes as a shock. It does to us too. Without going into all the details, know that we did not expect this.,” she said in a social media post.

“The dream was to continue making beautiful food and hosting wonderful events for years to come. But this financial climate is crushing to small businesses, so here we are.”

Last month, the closure of the once-popular vegan burger bar, Grass Fed in South Brisbane, raised concerns among vegans and food enthusiasts alike as the establishment fell victim to the same economic pressures.

These closures are part of a broader trend that has seen various vegan eateries shutter their operations in recent months. The Cardamom Pod in Broadbeach, considered one of Queensland’s original plant-based eateries, faced insurmountable challenges due to soaring rents and rising food and staff costs. Enoki Coffee & Co in Stafford Heights and Gopal’s Pure Vegetarian in Maroochydore also succumbed to similar pressures.

Vegan cafe Pancha in Hamilton opted to introduce meat options to its menu as a means of survival. Co-owner Petch Berge explained that potential customers often walked out when they realised the restaurant was vegan, showing a reluctance to try plant-based dishes. Since incorporating meat offerings, the business has seen a 20% improvement in its bottom line.

The challenges faced by vegan eateries in Queensland have prompted a reevaluation of their business models. Stean Kelly, the new owner of the former plant-based cafe Grown in West End, acknowledged that the perception of being exclusively vegan was a deterrent to some customers. As a result, he introduced meat options to the menu, which quickly became the dominant choice for patrons.

Veganism continues to grow in popularity, however, the challenging economic climate makes it difficult to maintain exclusively plant-based menus. Many restaurant owners have found that diversifying their offerings to include meat is a necessary step to secure their businesses’ future.

Published 13-October-2023

West End Welcomes the Brisbane International Jazz Festival with Stellar Line-up

Jazz enthusiasts are in for a musical treat as the Brisbane International Jazz Festival is set to take over the Thomas Dixon Centre in West End.

This event, to be held Friday, 27 Oct 2023, promises to be a harmonious extravaganza featuring a star-studded line up of artists across multiple stages.

The Thomas Dixon Centre, located at 406 Montague Rd, West End, will serve as the backdrop for a night of smooth melodies and creative rhythms. The festival boasts a diverse array of jazz performers, both local and international, ensuring a captivating experience for all attendees.

Brooklyn Meets Brisbane: Kicking off the festivities is the Brooklyn-based saxophonist, Caroline Davis, and her adventurous trio Alula. Their fusion of styles is sure to captivate the audience, and their performance is bound to be a highlight of the evening.

Western Australia’s Finest: Western Australian collective, Quiet Country, will showcase their exceptional talents, with a lineup featuring Harry Mitchell (piano), Ben Vanderwal (drums), Allira Wilson (vocals), Karl Florisson (bass), and Ben Witt (guitar). They will also premiere their much-anticipated new album, adding an element of anticipation to the festival.

Melbourne’s Musical Magic: Melbourne’s Loose Leaf trio, led by the talented Andrew Saragossi, promises to bring their unique charm to the festival, and their performance is expected to be a crowd-pleaser.

The Brisbane International Jazz Festival will also feature some of Queensland’s most exceptional artists. Attendees can look forward to the impressive talents of Hannah Macklin, Cigany Weaver, and the Joshua Hatcher Quartet, among others. These local artists will showcase the vibrant jazz scene in the Sunshine State, adding a distinctive local flavor to the festival.

In a show of international collaboration, Chris Stover’s Imaginary Hybridities (USA) will grace the stage, demonstrating the global appeal of jazz. Additionally, the Sharon Nobs Trio, Khito, Tyler Cooney Quintet, SHAMIN, and the Theo Parrott Organ Trio will further contribute to the festival’s diverse line-up, ensuring a night of musical exploration.

Commissioned Works

The festival will commence with an open rehearsal of the commissioned works by Kayleigh Pincott and Brendan Foster, the recipients of the inaugural Lynette Irwin MF Composition Commission. This will offer a unique glimpse into the creative process of these talented composers and set the tone for the evening.

Don’t miss this musical extravaganza as the Brisbane International Jazz Festival graces West End with its diverse and talented line-up. With artists from around the world and some of Queensland’s finest talents on display, it promises to be a night of unforgettable music and entertainment.

Published 11-Oct-2023

Brisbane Beer Lovers Rejoice! Armakeggon 2023 is Here

Beer lovers, get ready to get your swig on. Armakeggon, Brisbane’s longest running and most loved craft beer festival, returns to West End on October 14 for its 12th year.

Read: From Parched to Brew Baron: New Owners Rebrand and Renovate Local Brewery

Organised by the team at Archive Beer Boutique, Armakeggon brings together over 28 of Australia’s top craft breweries to serve up their tasty creations. For just $35, your ticket includes a tasting paddle of four beers to get you started.

Official Armakeggon 2023 Lineup

Last year’s event (Photo credit: Archive Beer Boutique/Facebook)

This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with breweries like Aether, Mountain Goat, and Balter lining up to pour their latest concoctions.

Aether Brewing will be showcasing their Biscoff Porter, with decadent notes of cinnamon balanced out by chocolate roast flavours. Mountain Goat Beer brings a rare barrel aged Imperial Stout called Lucille. Balter Brewing Company has brewed Swearwolves Black IPA exclusively for Armakeggon drinkers.

Armakeggon 2022 (Photo credit: Archive Beer Boutique/Facebook)

The festival features a stellar lineup of top Aussie breweries, with the full list available on Archive Beer Boutique’s social media page so you can plan out your beer tasting strategy.

For those who want the ultimate Armakeggon experience, VIP tickets grant you access from 10:00 a.m. to be among the first to sample those limited release kegs before the crowds arrive. The $70 VIP ticket ensures you don’t miss out on any of the exclusive brews being tapped throughout the day.

Read: New Meat-Free Wine Bar Set to Open in West End

Whilst tasting and chatting with the brewers, you can enjoy live music, catch some sun in the beer garden, and refuel with bites from the roaming food trucks onsite. There will also be games, giveaways and plenty of good times with fellow craft beer lovers.

With tickets selling fast, be sure to book now via Eventbrite. This event is set to be a hopping good time for all.

Published 5-October-2023

Caviar-Topped Lasagne at West End’s Zazu Dining Wows With Its $75 Price Tag

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.

Zazu Dining West End — 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.

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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.

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Published 14-Sept-2023

From Parched to Brew Baron: New Owners Rebrand and Renovate Local Brewery

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.

Read: Serial Entrepreneur’s West End Distillery Plunges into Liquidation

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.

“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.

The new Brew Baron aims to remain a small, family-owned West End brewery with the neighbourhood’s support.

Read: 5 Things You May Not Know About Ippin Dining, West End’s New Culinary Gem

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.

Published 13-September-2023