A new late-night Korean fried chicken diner and bar has moved into the old Hi-Fi site on Boundary Street in West End. As its name suggests, FryDays specialises in everything deep-fried — from its specialty chicken wings to the prawns, pork or vegetable dumplings, and cheesy sticks.
FryDays has nine variants of its crispy, drool-worthy fried chicken dripping with flavourful sauces like barbecue, honey, teriyaki, soy or hot chili. Every order of chicken wings has been concocted to complement its vast selection of Korean, Japanese, Chinese and local brews, as well as choices of cocktail drinks and wine.
The eatery is owned and managed by Sean Hyun and Chef Jo of Tok Tok Korean Cuisine in Sunnybank Hills. With a pretty straightforward menu, picking meals at FryDays is effortless when all you can think about is savouring and enjoying the flavours.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Mr Hyun said that the restaurant’s focus will be the chicken but FryDays will also serve seafood pancakes, stir-fried noodles, wraps and noodle soup.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The new restaurant opened on 18 Dec 2020 with 150 seats, mostly set outdoors and best for people-watching! Inside, the dining space has a polished look with grey walls and timber. The bar is the centerpiece, where guests place their orders.
Here’s something to excite fur parents like a dog with two tails! Coles West End at the heritage-listed site, The Markets, will unveil its new look with some never-before-seen features for Brisbane shoppers.
On Wednesday, 2 Dec 2020, Coles West End will open one of the first in Brisbane — a pick-and-mix self-serve pet treat bar for pet owners and their lovable four-legged friends.
This new Coles feature provides a wide range of healthy pet food and snacks, tailored for shoppers who spoil their pets or treat like family.
Since the start of the pandemic, Coles’ customers have increased their spending on their dogs, cats and other pets. Pet adoption and fostering have also spiked to 50 percent, according to the Queensland RSCPA and Animal Welfare League Queensland.
Photo Credit: Healthy Food Crew/Facebook
Meanwhile, Coles West End is also unveiling the new “store of the future” with the Coles Kitchen section filled with ready-made, quick and easy meals in Australian, Italian, Asian and Indian varieties.
The grocery store’s new open-style bakery will offer flatbread baked fresh every day, whilst the market-style produce section’s layout will provide more room for shoppers to browse and pick their fruits and vegetables.
“The feedback from our customers has been wildly positive, with many of our locals particularly excited about the new convenience range of meals and the pet treat pick-and-mix bar where they can pick up a wide range of treats and snacks for their furry friends,” Coles West End store manager Tristian Maris said.
“We’re also thrilled to inject more jobs into the local area by welcoming 20 new team members to the store, including in-store bakers and online service team members who are excited to join our team in offering excellent service and great value products for the community.”
To celebrate the unveiling of Coles West End’s new look, shoppers and workers alike may witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony, speeches and cake at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday.
Up to two thirds of Brisbane CBD roads, including Dornoch Terrace, are identified to be risky for cyclists, RACQ says.
The latest research has revealed that 22 popular cycling routes in the Brisbane CBD and surrounding suburbs lack safe cycling structures. The Club’s Head of Public Policy Rebecca Michael said that they found that there is a lot of room for improvement around South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point.
In particular, she noted some of the busiest roads for bikes and cars including Montague Road, Vulture Street, Shafston Avenue and Main Street as among the worst for cyclists. Likewise, she added that Adelaide Street, Edward Street and Ann Street in the CBD, as well as the nearby Dornoch Terrace, “are also some of the riskiest.”
Dornoch Terrace recorded 16 crashes involving cyclists between 2014 and 2018 whilst Adelaide Street had 18, including six serious injuries. Often, these crashes are more severe and more likely to cause serious injuries and even death.
The Club, therefore, calls on Brisbane City Council to “implement improved on and off-road cycling infrastructure and treatments” which could mitigate risks and lower speeds at conflict points. The research predicted that the installation of separated cycle lanes and other safety improvements on all surveyed roads could save 182 fatal and serious injuries over the next 20 years.
“Cyclists are some of our most vulnerable road users and having safe infrastructure is the right start but ultimately we need everyone to play their part to ensure we all get to our destinations safely,” Dr Michael said.
Councillor Ryan Murphy, Brisbane City Council public and Active Transport Committee chair, said that whilst the Dornoch Terrace safety improvements project did not get needed support from the community, he would be happy to revisit the plan.
Cr Murphy added that the CityLink Cycleway will have new separated two-way bikeways along Edward Street and Elizabeth Street. Works on Elizabeth Street and Edward Street are expected to begin late November 2020 and should be completed in early 2021. Meanwhile, construction of new green bridges for cyclists and pedestrians at Kangaroo Point and Breakfast Creek are also expected to commence in 2021.
Australian property developer, Crown Group, has opened a new office in Brisbane ahead of the group’s 2021 launch of their first West End development.
Crown Group announces its first project in Queensland
Crown Group said that the future West End development on 1.25ha of prime waterfront land situated at 117 Victoria Street will feature luxury apartments with a mix of terraces homes through to four-bedroom penthouses. Many of these apartments will offer river and city skyline views
Crown Group’ will also incorporate its signature resort-style facilities including a 25m pool, cabana and poolside lounges, barbecue facilities, gym, community room and breakout spaces.
Why did Crown Group choose Brisbane?
Development Director Trent McLauchlan, who came to Crown Group earlier this year, said that Brisbane is already set to reap the benefits of its major infrastructure and tourism projects including the $2 billion Queens Wharf development, Howard Smith Wharves, Cross River Rail, and Brisbane Airport’s new runway.
“Brisbane was set for a surge in property activity in early 2020 and since then housing data has shown the city is set to have the strongest recovery in Australia from COVID’s impact,” Mr McLauchlan said.
He furthered that based on indicators, Brisbane is set to return to a state of housing undersupply that will result in apartment prices pushing up. When conditions start to normalise, he expects demand to rise as interstate buyers start to come back and take advantage of the low interest rates, and as foreign buyers also take advantage of the strong exchange rate.
He said West End was chosen after much due diligence because it is one of Brisbane’s fastest growing suburbs with the population expected to grow more than four per cent each year.
“Its accessibility to the city as well as to cultural attractions including Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art and the Boundary Street spine as well as recreational drawcards such as Southbank and the river promenade make it highly appealing in terms of liveability.”
“All indicators point to growth ahead in West End and we expect that this luxurious riverfront sub-tropical escape will sell fast.”
The children of Junction Park State School may continue to learn how to cook healthier meals thanks to the donation from Coles West End. The company gave the school $5,000 to support its membership with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden cooking program for the next three years.
The money will also afford the school to buy a new pizza oven and several kitchen items, cookware and appliances.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Junction Park State School has been in the program for five years but the grant from Coles West End will go a long way. Supporting Year 2 and 3 kids, the program, incorporated in the school’s science classes, teaches children how to prepare and appreciate nutritious dishes.
Photo Credit: Supplied
“We are really excited about the donation from Coles and the long-lasting effect it will have on the development and longevity of our popular Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program,” the school principal Ms Christine Wood said.
Coles West End Store Manager, Tristan Maris, said that they learned about how Junction Park State School created a kitchen garden program as part of the kids’ learning process.
“The kids are really keen to get their hands dirty and experiment with cooking and eating new things, which is something we hope is reflected in their families’ weekly grocery shop when visiting the store,” Mr Maris said. “We believe helping to sustainably feed all Australians, so they can live healthier and happier lives, is a fundamental part of why we do what we do at Coles, and it is exciting to see that in action.”
Coles launched its partnership with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden cooking program in February 2020 with the aim of making eating healthy second nature to children.
Wishing for more Italian food options? Voglia, a new restaurant specialising in southern comfort food and hand-stretched pizza, is set to open at the Montague Markets and it promises to fill your desire for delicious, authentic Italian dishes.
Voglia, which is Italian for desire or wish, is a concept from Vito and Bradie Mandarano. The partners also run Vito’s Cucina & Bar in Ascot.
Inspired by their relaxing weekends at beautiful restaurants in the Amalfi Coast, the pair is hoping to recreate and deliver that same flavour and feel at their new West End eatery.
Aiming for a full dining experience in a laidback atmosphere, Voglia plans to back old-fashioned hospitality. Once opened, the new Italian foodie spot will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner indoors or via its grab-and-go window.
The husband and wife team thought of incorporating heaps of food choices to suit all tastes — from counter takeaways to gourmet meals enjoyed at the table, to a full-a-la-carte fare for a memorable evening feast.
Vito will be serving his favourite Spaghetti ala Nerano on the menu, which perfectly defines life in the Sorrentine peninsula. The spaghetti is simple yet sophisticated and tasteful. It’s flavoured with onions, chilli, garlic, zucchini, tomatoes, pancetta pangrattato, calamiri fritti and white wine.
But gourmet pizza will be the biggest pull as Voglia has a pizzaiolo from Naples working the magic in the kitchen.
The Mandaranos plan to launch by the end of the month. Follow their Facebook page for updates and trading hours.
Less than a year after it opened on Hoogley Street in West End, the homestyle Italian restaurant and wholesaler CJ’s Secret Pasta Club went into liquidation. But owners Leila Amirparviz and Darcy Adam quickly bounced back, amidst the pandemic, to establish Pasta Club on the other side of the suburb, where everything about their new restaurant gleams with a delightful revival.
Pasta Club carries over the essence of the old eatery with a changing daily menu handwritten by Darcy, depending on what is available in the kitchen.
As with the old restaurant, all ingredients are sourced locally from Australian suppliers.
The dishes are mostly simple Italian favourites that you’d crave for: risotto, house-made focaccia, fresh burrata with salsa verde, choices of pastas like fusilli with prawns and red sauce or spaghetti carbonara.
Stripping the wholesale aspects of their former business, the partners could now fully focus on improving their restaurant.
Pasta Club showcases the creativity and freedom of Leila and Darcy to whip up comfort food and filling meals in the kitchen. If requested, they can also prepare vegan and gluten-free options, as well as a few delicious desserts as a satisfying finish.
Taking over the former home of Flora By Greenhouse Canteen, Leila and Darcy had two weeks to convert the site into a retro-looking eatery, with a vinyl music corner to boot. Here, customers may enjoy their dining experience by playing an LP of their choice — it’s BYO vinyl!
But the restaurant is also BYO vino whilst the owners are waiting to secure a liquor licence.
This place is meant to be a lounging destination, where diners can have a relaxing meal with wine and music, amidst an intimate space.
Booking a table is highly-recommended if dining in, as per government health and safety guidelines. Follow their Instagram page for updates on store hours, new menu and other deals.
We live next door to Pasta Club and have been so excited to see them working hard to get up and running. Finally made it in for dinner last night and had a great time. Everyone’s meal was delicious, pasta was perfect of course and I’m still dreaming of the Crostini. The energy inside is really warm and comfortable too.
Madeleine Lewis, Google Reviews
Exceptionally delicious and authentic house made pasta. Friendly staff, quick service. Reservations recommended Thursday – Sunday.
West End cycling apparel shop Scody Australia has found an innovative way to survive this pandemic crisis with the help of the State Government’s Adaption Grant for businesses.
Since April, Scody Australia has been manufacturing washable face masks to support its 17 workers. Despite the setback of cancelled sporting events like Cycling Queensland, Tour de Brisbane and Brisbane Cycling Fest due to the COVID-19 threat, this new focus is helping heaps of people. Scody workers are engaged and employed, while the face masks are reaching much-needed users, especially in the state of Victoria where the outbreaks have yet to be controlled.
Scody owner Bernard Schreiber said that they decided to shift part of their manufacturing process to face masks since they have the equipment and the materials.
Scoby’s face masks are not specifically for medical or health workers but it can protect from the virus, as well as encourage face mask wearers not to touch their faces. Their designs are a mix of trendy and cute prints for hobbyists and pet lovers.
In the middle of August, Scody had a special visitor, MP Jackie Triad, who wanted to see how the apparel shop has been doing since receiving the business grant.
“I popped in to see local grant recipient, SCODY Australia, and spent the morning with owners Bernard and Suzanne. They’re sports clothing manufacturers based here in West End,” Ms Triad said. “At this tough time, they’ve managed to expand and refine their manufacturing processes – including launching their own range of face-masks that they make in-house, with their local team of workers. There’s been such a high demand for these products, especially from Victorians, and they’ve been a major help to people during this pandemic.”
Photo Credit: Scody Australia
Scody has been in the sporting apparel business for 20 years and has sponsored many cycling events in Queensland. Check out their face mask selections at their online store.
West End State School (WESS) received the keys to its brand new learning centre following the completion of Stage 1 of its $25 million expansion. Principal Kim McNamara received the keys during the handover ceremony on 10 Aug 2020 from South Brisbane MP Jackie Trad.
Representatives of Cox Architects and Hutchinson Builder were also present during the handover. The school community collaborated with these builders for the design and planning of the school’s expansion.
Photo Credit: West End State School Parents and Citizens Association/Facebook
The new learning centre, dubbed the L Block, is a three-storey building with 16 learning spaces, spacious outdoor areas and a new pick-up/drop-off zone.
Ms McNamara said that the completed section will help the school keep the students actively engaged in learning. Both the teachers and the kids have been keenly looking forward to using the facilities by the end of August.
Education MP Grace Grace also congratulated the school community for its new facilities. The construction and completion went ahead and made 100 jobs available to locals despite the threats of the coronavirus.
“This $25 million expansion has given students more room to play and learn,” Ms Grace said. “More than 300 Preppies & Year 1 students will move into the building at the end of August.”
Photo Credit: West End State School/FacebookPhoto Credit: West End State School/Facebook
Meanwhile, the construction of Stage 2 is up next, according to Ms Trad. The project has an estimated 2022 completion.
“Our government will be delivering the Stage 2 Expansion at WESS! This will see the construction of an additional learning centre, administration and library building, Performing Arts Centre and more greenspace,” the MP posted on Facebook. “This is huge news for our school community and something I have worked hard to deliver, alongside parents, staff and students. It’s also a vital investment that will create more Queensland jobs for construction workers and tradies as we unite and recover from COVID-19.”
The school’s expansion is critical to the growing number of enrollees year after year. The state’s Department of Education acquired additional properties adjacent to the old WESS to accommodate the needs of the school community.
Opening a new restaurant in this coronavirus crisis might be seen as going against the headwinds, yet even when the future of the food industry is uncertain, these three new West End eateries are braving the pandemic and welcoming dine-in guests.
Some might say it’s crazy to start a new West End eatery today but that’s exactly what Kulcha’d has done. This restaurant specialising in Amritsar street food opened its brightly coloured doors in the middle of May. Even better? The place is also preparing to open its bar.
Photo Credit: Kulcha’d/Facebook
The restaurant’s opening almost never happened because the owners were nearly stuck in India to study more authentic Amritsar recipes just as countries were considering locking down borders. They got back to Brisbane in the nick of time — minutes after quarantine requirements took effect.
Now operating for almost two months, Kulcha’d has been welcoming a steady stream of patrons. Kulcha is named after Indian stuffed flatbreads with onions, potatoes and other vegetables.
An Italian eatery with a plant-based menu, Nonna’s Nightmare slowly started trading in the middle of May with their delivery and takeaway service. On Friday, July 9, the restaurant will open its first-ever dine-in service.
So, if you’ve got a hankering for cheesy, tomato goodness minus the guilt, check out their sleek shop on Boundary St. Nonna’s Nightmare also has takeaway options (via Uber Eats).
Photo Credit: Nonna’s Nightmare/Facebook
The restaurant’s cheeky name is inspired by the chef’s decision to turn Italian comfort food into 100% plant-based meals.
“Our chef, born and raised in Italy has been cooking pizza, pasta and other traditional Italian dishes most of his life but after making the decision to switch to a plant-based diet he instantly became every Italian Nonna’s Nightmare!”
Address: 215 Montague Road Store Hours and Menu: Check their Facebook Page
Superthing actually opened during the tail end of March and just days before the world shut down because of the virus. But the bakery with the yummy bagels and croissants, and an inviting pastel pink interior, managed to stay in business despite the restrictions and risks.
By mid-April, Superthing restarted baking for pick-up and takeaways. By the time the restrictions were relaxed in Brisbane, the bakery was ready and raring to serve up the customers’ favorites.
Photo Credit: Superthing/Facebook
If you haven’t been by their shop the first time it opened, plan to drop by soon and discover what could be the best new bakery in West End. Superthing doesn’t just serve baked goods and pastries, they also serve classic cafe and all-day breakfast favorites.
