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Taste a Different Kind of Italian Fare at Pilloni Sardinian Restaurant

Photo Credit: Facebook / Pilloni Restaurant

From the La Lupa crew, a new Italian restaurant that puts Sardinian culture at the very heart of its dining experience is now making its mark in West End.

For their new venture, Pilloni restaurant, owners Valentina Vigni and Andrea Contin would like to introduce another side to Italian dishes that may not be familiar to most, Sardinian cuisine. Sardinia is an Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea that is famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, as well for its local cuisine including Su Porcheddu – roast suckling pig cooked over coals for several hours to achieve a delicious, crispy texture.

Pilloni’s interiors are inspired by the couple’s holiday trip to Sardinia with the venue neatly divided into four sections – an alfresco bar where customers can enjoy aperitivo whilst working up an appetite with tasty snacks before proceeding to the dining room, Camino, with a view to the kitchen’s fireplace. Meanwhile, the Terrazzo, a curtained balcony offers a warm 50s vibe complete with a collection of artworks whilst down the corridor awaits a 16-seat private dining room and cellar.

Taste a Different Kind of Italian Fare at Pilloni Sardinian Restaurant — Photo Credit: Facebook / Pilloni Restaurant

Pilloni adopts Sardinian agriturismo which is a farm designed to receive guests whether for food, accommodation or a combination of the two. The farm-to-table concept utilises ingredients sourced from local farmers, fishers and producers and is executed by chef Mimmo Miceli who will dish out a menu of mouth-watering dishes which include must-try entrees scallops crudo with fresh figs, citrus gel and fid leaf oil; and charred octopus served with potato foam, olives and pimiento.

Apart from the roasted suckling pig, which according to chef Miceli takes seven days to prepare, another single main dish worth savouring is charred kingfish fillet with smoked heirloom tomato culis, asparagus and bottarga.

Mains to share, meanwhile, include Tasmanian lobster with tomato, red onion, lemon and parsley; slow-roasted lamb neck with fregolone and parsnip; and whole market fish roasted on the ember with il bono salsa.

As for the drinks, a total of 200 bottles make up the list featuring Sardinian vinos as well as those coming from other Mediterranean regions, along with French and Australian wines and cocktails.

Google Reviews:

“Incredible food, amazing and friendly staff. Everything we had was great, but the octopus is definitely a must try, as well as both of the mains. Will definitely be back again!” – Liane Lagahit

“Such a great and unique experience. Thank you , ill be back for sure😍🇮🇹” – TSuch a great and unique experience. Thank you , ill be back for sure😍🇮🇹” – YnotP

“I lived in Sardinia for 10 years and I was amazed from the flavours that I’ve found at Pilloni Restaurant, well done guys, you are doing great! The food was perfect, the service was great and the location is really cozy and charming.We’ll be back soon and we’ll spread the word.” – Sara Olivieri

Pilloni is located at 166 Hardgrave Road, West End. To book, visit their website here.

Published 10-March-2023

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

Did you know that The Soda Factory in West End was named in honour of the Tristram soft drink factory that once operated on the site for decades? Here’s a look back at the history of Brisbane’s now-defunct soft drink manufacturing company, a well-known brand in the city up to the 1970s.

Read: See The Stunning Mural At Soda Factory In West End

Thomas Tristram founded the company as T Tristram Essences in 1875, almost a decade after arriving in Brisbane. Two years later, he partnered with Owen Gardiner who helped him open a factory at the rear of his family home on the corner of Grey and Hope Street.

Tristram Soft Drink Factory — Thomas Tristram (Photo credit: triscofoods.com.au)

T Tristam was forced to vacate the property at Hope St after Council took it for a road improvement project.

T Tristram later acquired a property at 69 Boundary St, West End and commissioned Atkinson, Powell and Conrad to design a new factory. The factory building had a Spanish Mission style design, which is quite unusual in Brisbane during those times.

When T Tristam Aerated Waters and Brewed Beverages opened at Boundary St in 1930, a write-up on The Architectural and Building Journal described the building as “thoroughly modern in every aspect, with a well laid out garden and lawns occupying the front of the site.”

Queueing for a take-away meal and a Tristram’s soft drink at the RNA Exhibition in 1949 (Photo credit: Brisbane John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)

Tristram produced different variants of their products, such as Ginger Beer, Lime Rickey, Sarsaparilla, TriCola, Lemonade, Indian Tonic, Soda Water, and Ginger Ale.

When T Tristram passed away at the turn of the century, his wife Emily Constance Tristram took over the business, along with their two sons and three daughters.

Tristram’s became the soft drink of choice for generations, until the factory was sold in 1979 to Cadbury Schweppes.

The Markets

Photo credit: https://heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

The former soft drink factory was converted into West End Market Shopping Centre during the 1980s, based on designs of late architect Gary Georgeson.

Heritage Pacific acquired the shopping centre, also known as The Markets, and redeveloped the iconic building in 2001 to incorporate a mixed use major retail facility and apartments.

Soda Factory West End

The site is now home to Soda Factory West End, a neigbourhood centre with a newly refurbished Coles Supermarket and 22 specialty retailers. It’s being run by the SCA Property Group, who purchased the property in 2014 for $32 million.

Whilst the building underwent major renovations, its main facade was retained, as part of the group’s vision to preserve its historical value.

Meanwhile, the Tristram soft drink factory may be gone but the business continues to thrive as Trisco Foods, which is currently being managed by the fifth generation of the family.

Read: How Boundary Street in West End and Spring Hill Got Its Name

Trisco Foods, now with an established factory at Carole Park, focuses on manufacturing ingredients such as syrups and sundaes. The company was named Queensland’s Exporter of the Year in 2019.

Unleash the Houdini Within You at These Escape Rooms

Photo credit: Escape Hunt / escapehunt.com/au

Imagine you and your friends figuring out clues, racing against the clock to find a way to escape a locked room. Experience the thrill and fun at West End’s Escape Hunt and unleash the Houdini within you.

Escape Hunt Brisbane | 177 Russel St, West End

One of the earliest venues of such a theme to open in Brisbane, Escape Hunt offers exciting experiences suited for players over 10 years of age. Find your way out of these highly immersive escape rooms by finding clues and solving puzzles.

Escape rooms currently featured are:

Alice in Puzzleland

The Mad Hatter has been accused of stealing the Queen’s Tarts. You have 60 minutes to find them and save the Hatter’s head.

Aladdin & The Magic Vault

Get Aladdin’s lamp back and save the genie before it’s too late.

Blackbeard’s Treasure

You are trapped in the cabin as you try to escape a sinking ship whilst carrying Captain Blackbeard’s treasure. You have 60 minutes to find your way out.

Our Finest Hour

It’s 1942 and the world is at war. As MI6’s top agents, you have 60 minutes to find the enemy’s superweapons and destroy them.

The Jewel Thief

Six invaluable pieces of jewellery loaned to the theatre were stolen and hidden in the prop maker’s studio. Find and return them before the jewellery company returns to collect their items.

Bomb at Government House

You have 60 minutes to find and defuse a bomb planted inside the old Government House and stop an attempt to assassinate the Governor.

Book here.

Fox in a Box Brisbane | Level 1 / 150 Edward St, Brisbane City

Did you know that Fox in a Box is rated #1 on Google and Tripadvisor? Discover what teamwork is about and save the world from a nuclear explosion, escape the clutches of a serial killer or possibly create a cure for the Zombie pandemic.

Fox in a Box’s immersive escape rooms include Prison Break where you are sentenced to life in a maximum-security prison and with all appeal requests denied, you are left with no other option but to escape your way to freedom.

Also check out their other escape rooms: Zombie Lab, Tesla’s Mystery, Head to Head, Bunker and Zodiac Killer.

Book your experience now by visiting their page here.

Mystic Escape | 79 Hope St, South Brisbane

Located in the heart of Fish Lane in South Brisbane, Mystic Escape takes you into an immersive and interactive escape room experience. Mystic Escape offers classic escape room experiences and challenging murder mystery games good for players aged 16-year-old and up.

City of Ashes

You and your team of demon hunters are sent to delve into the secrets of the “City of Ashes”. But you only have 45 minutes to solve the mystery, or you will be forever trapped in this dark city.

The Fairy Tales

As famous detectives, your next mission takes you to the mysterious forest and uncover the secrets that led to a number of disappearances. You need to solve the mystery and make it out alive before the sun sets.

Storm

Invited to an unknown place and you don’t remember who you are. When you arrived, you then find yourself and several others who received the invitation and are also struggling with amnesia trapped in this strange place.

Check out the details and book here.

Published 16-February-2023

Quinn Hotels Acquires Archive Beer Boutique, Plans Multi-Million Dollar Makeover

Quin Hotels’ first major venture into Queensland promises to be a big one, with its $5-million acquisition of Archive Beer Boutique in tighly-held West End and its multi-million-dollar makeover plans for the venue.

Archive Beer Boutique’s leasehold was put on the market in 2021 with an expected price of about $5 million. The building comprises a bar, bistro and function rooms and a 2:00 am liquor license, plus the option of three detached bottleshops. It recently underwent a million-dollar makeover.

Jackson Quinn acquired the venue through a deal brokered by CBRE Hotels’ Paul Fraser and is reported to be near the expected price with its long-term lease having nearly 30 years tenure remaining.

“The tightly held nature of core West End entertainment establishments coupled with this asset’s size, scale, versatility and long tenure meant it was a compelling acquisition for the incoming owner,” Mr Fraser said.

“Given the abundance of infrastructure investment and projects currently underway in Brisbane combined with continued strong population growth and migration levels, we expect investor interest in inner-city offerings such as the Archive Beer Boutique to remain strong through 2023.”

The new acquisition follows Mr Quinn’s offloading of Ballina’s Australia Hotel last 2021 for $9.5 million.

“I love Queensland and love Brisbane and I will be working closely with Green Finance Group on the next step we take here,” Mr Quinn said.

Archive Beer Boutique is a multi-level venue on a 1,335-sqm site at 100 Boundary Street within West End’s premier entertainment corridor. It has been operated by Kim Davies’ AusHotels for almost 17 years.

“We’re delighted that the new operator will take the Archive Beer Boutique to a new level while at the same time ensuring it will continue to a venue synonymous with offering the best craft beers in Australia,” Jim Davies said.

The new owner plans to invest in a multi-million-dollar makeover of the venue.

Published 11-February-2023

Car Theft Claims Rise in Inner City Brisbane as Number of Offences Rise Statewide

Photo Credit: The Digital Way/Pixabay

Incidents of car theft claims in Brisbane’s inner city have had a 39.8 per cent increase between 2021 to 2022, amidst a growing number of vehicular offences statewide.

In West End, authorities are dealing with recurring issues of car park security in high-rise buildings, especially at prominent sites. Unit owners are constantly reminded to lock their cars and never leave valuable items inside, especially not in the compartment.

In December 2022, data from the Queensland Police Services showed the highest number of car theft incidents across the region with 2,133 cars stolen within the month. The region’s previous highest record was logged in March 2001 with 1,834 incidents.

On the other hand, RACQ warned motorists about stolen cars as early as August 2022 after noting an increase in claims in the last financial year. At that time, Brisbane’s inner city claims were at 31 per cent but this has apparently increased to 39.8 per cent by the end of 2022.

Data from the Children’s Court Serious Repeat Offender Index showed that nearly half of the vehicular offences are done by kids between the ages of 10 to 17, prompting a debate on new laws that could include longer prison terms or penalties for youth car thieves. In response, Queensland Police Service Assistant Commissioner George Marchesini has been tasked to command the new Youth Crime Taskforce with an aim to divert youth offenders away from prison.

“Keeping children in detention is not the end solution,” Mr Marchesini said during the press release. “We need to look at how we break that cycle of reoffending.”

The Queensland Government is also planning to spend $10 million on 20,000 engine immobilisers in areas where car thefts are rampant. These devices are embedded into cars to disable their starting mechanism if done illegally.

However, RACQ believes that immobilisers will do little to reduce car thefts. Instead, Andrew Kirk, RACQ’s principal technical researcher said car owners must always lock their car doors and keep their keys out of sight.

Man Sentenced for Flooding Apartment Building In Woolloongabba

Photo credit: Alphacolor / Unsplash

A 26-year-old man was sentenced for flooding a 15-storey apartment building in Woolloongabba after being “blackout drunk” on the night he visited his friend.

On 19 February 2021, Daniel Martin Kornaus visited his friend on the sixth floor of the Vicinity Apartments in Woolloongabba. Then at about 2 am the next day, firefighters received reports of flooding at the building.

Police who investigated the incident found CCTV footage that shows Kornaus turning on the hydrants in the stairwells located on the sixth and seventh floors.

Crown prosecutor Edward Fleetwood said that this activated the diesel pumps, ejecting 1,000 litres of water per minute from the seventh floor down to the ground floor. It took the firefighters some 30 minutes to turn the pumps off.

Kornaus has caused damage to the apartment building amounting to more than $500,000 and financial losses to many of its residents. The property damage caused by the incident forced tenants in 52 of the 92 units to vacate the building for more than one week.

Mr Fleetwood added that Kornaus also removed 11 fire extinguishers and put them in a parked vehicle downstairs, tore down fire evacuation notices and randomly hit a parked car with a fire extinguisher.

Brisbane District Court was also told that Kornaus, who was diagnosed with autism and a non-verbal learning disorder and also struggles with alcohol addiction, was “blackout drunk” on the night he committed the offence.

Kornaus pleaded guilty to five charges including interfering with fire apparatuses and willful damage.

On 29 November 2022, Judge Michael Byrne sentenced him to 18 months in jail but wholly suspended the sentence with a two-year probation.

Published 25-January-2023

Free Rides Roll Out on the South Brisbane Bus Loop

Commuters now have an easy way to travel around different destinations in South Bank and West End through the South Brisbane Bus Loop, a part of the turn-up-and-go Brisbane Metro project. Best of all, the bus rides are FREE!

Read: West End Locals Establish Shared Vision for the Montague Road Project

The new service, identified as Route 86, was launched to provide public transport access whilst works for Brisbane Metro have ramped up, with the loop travelling an anti-clockwise direction along Grey Street, Montague Road, Vulture St and Tribune St.

The free South Brisbane Bus Loop will run for 12 months beginning 23 January 2023, and will be accessible to the main retail centres on Boundary Street and the popular West End markets.

Popular stops along the South Brisbane route will include the Cineplex at South Brisbane, the Gallery of Modern Art, South Brisbane Station / Cultural Centre, Davies Park and South Bank Busway.

“We know that we need to help people get around as construction on exciting projects, such as the turn-up-and-go Brisbane Metro, ramps up,” Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport, Ryan Murphy said.

Cr Murphy said the free bus service will help alleviate traffic congestion and make it easy for people to visit these popular spots, whilst also supporting businesses on the route.

The turn-up-and-go Brisbane Metro project, which is the first of its kind in Australia, will introduce a new fleet of 60 high-capacity fully-electric Metro vehicles that will coordinate with existing bus services, as part of a better-planned network.

Brisbane Metro artist impression (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Brisbane-based Volgren will deliver the fit out of the new Metro vehicles, which feature three-carriage design, four large double doors and a panoramic rear window, for taking advantage of city views.

Read: Temporary West End-to-Guyatt Park Ferry Route Unveiled As 3-Stage Plan Commences

Meanwhile, the free bus service is expected to operate every 10-15 minutes, 7 days a week between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

South Brisbane Loop

Some Eggs Sold in West End, Other QLD Stores Recalled Over Possible Salmonella Contamination

Photo credit: Food Standards Australia New Zealand / foodstandards.gov.au

Potential salmonella contamination has prompted an urgent recall of a batch of a particular brand of eggs that have been sold in West End and other Queensland stores. Customers are being asked to return the products to their point-of-sale for a full refund.

On Saturday 21 January 2023, Watson Family Produce Pty Ltd announced a recall of their 350g and 700g pasture-raised, free-range eggs with date markings “Best Before: All best before dates up to and including 25 Feb 2023” over possible microbial (salmonella) contamination.

Photo credit: Facebook / Watson Family Produce

The eggs were being sold at Harris Farms in the West End, Clayfield,, and Surfers Paradise as well as from independent food retailers in Queensland including IGA and Woolworths.

Customers who have purchased the eggs are advised not to consume the products and to instead return them to their point-of-sale for a full refund.

According to Food Standards Australia, food contaminated with salmonella can cause illness. The agency likewise advises customers who are concerned about their health to seek medical advice.

“Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) and Safe Food Queensland (SFQ) conducted an assessment of the farm and its procedures, and undertook environmental sampling of every chicken coop and the egg packing areas. Initial results have identified a low number of positive Salmonella detections and now we wait to find out the particular strain,” explains Watson Family Produce in a social media post.

“BQ stated that the farm did not have any visible bird health issues, and this is supported by our data showing there has not been any elevated mortality.

Watson added that they have taken voluntary and precautionary measures to recall all the eggs following a report from Queensland Health suggesting that “there may be people that have consumed eggs and were sick with Salmonella.”

“…The health and well-being of our supporters and our community is paramount and really all that matters.

“We will do everything we can to get back to normal supply and have our great product back into the market. We will continue to work closely with government authorities to help identify and trace a potential route of transmission into our property.”

For further information please contact:
Watson Family Produce Pty Ltd
0422 700 405 or 0425 295 942

Published 22-January-2023

California Tacos To Open First Brisbane Location In West End

California Tacos, a taco chain known for its massive burritos and awesome cocktails, is coming to Brisbane with a new location set to open in West End.

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

The menu, highlighted by what California Tacos refers to as “the #1 largest plate of nachos in Australia” will be similar to its other locations in the country–expect nachos, tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and fries in generous servings.

Slated to open in late January or February 2023, the new taco spot in West End will be located at 120 Boundary St, in a space formerly occupied by Indian restaurant Kulcha’d. Here, guests will be greeted by a tequila-inspired mural, which leads to a large courtyard and a dining space for up to 120 guests.

California Tacos — Photo credit: Ty Yturralde/Google Maps

One of the highlights on the menu is the nacho, served with fresh corn chips, cheese, black beans, avo-peño crema, sour cream, baja aioli, guacamole, salsa fresca, and your choice of protein.

The chain, founded by Mexico-born Ty Yturralde in 2013, makes tacos inspired directly from the beach suburbs in Southern California and Mexico. They proudly use 100 percent homemade, preservative-free corn and flour tortillas.

Aside from giving guests a seriously epic Mexican feast, owners are also planning to introduce live music on Thursday nights and on Sundays. Guests can enjoy a wide range of beverages, including a margarita menu with six varieties, cocktails, local craft beers, wines, and softdrinks, whilst listening to live music.

Read: Dalchini West End Now Back in Business After Flood-Damage Repairs

Besides the one soon to open in Brisbane, California Tacos also has locations in Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, Caloundra, and Townsville. Stay tuned on California Tacos’ Facebook page for updates on the West End location’s opening.

Ippin Japanese Dining from Sydney’s Kuon Omakase Team to Open in West End

Did you know that the team behind the famous Kuon Omasake in Sydney will soon open Ippin Japanese Dining in West End? Look forward to more good food and a great time once this 140-seater dining spot welcomes its first guests.

Construction of Ippin is slowly coming together at the Garden Pavilion in West Village. Owner and restaurateur Kenny Lee secured a section of the second floor overlooking The Common outdoor area. Vie Studio, a Sydney design company, has given the restaurant a semi-open layout that will allow diners to enjoy a fantastic view of the green space below.

Slated for an April 2023 opening, the Japanese restaurant will be headed by Chef Tatsuya Miwa in the kitchen, where dishes like yakitori, cuttlefish tempura and lobster popcorn will be prepared using locally-sourced seafood, meats and vegetables and then paired with authentic Japanese ingredients.

Mr Lee and his chef, along with co-owners Helen Lea and Jane Ma, are offering Brisbane a menu similar to Kuon Omasake and will occasionally showcase a ticketed tuna auction or a sake-centric event, just like how it’s done in Japan. So, Brisbane foodies looking for a Japanese dining experience don’t have to travel too far.

Ippin will also have a pastry chef who will be concocting mouthwatering desserts. To complete the menu, French, Australian and Italian wines, along with sake and a host of cocktails, will be on offer.