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Annerley’s Billykart Kitchen Is Chosen among Brisbane’s Top Cafés

Celebrity Chef Ben O’Donoghue’s Billykart Kitchen in Annerley has been voted as one of the best cafés in Brisbane. The “casual yet sophisticated” food hub was among the “Ten Best Cafes” in Brisbane, as voted by the people in The Weekend Edition recently. Owners Ben and his wife, De-Arne Wicks (Dee), describes their menu as “casual sophistication” with a range of ever-changing exciting items to choose from.

For a decade now, the café scene in Brisbane has shown rapid growth and success. Each suburb has its own array of food havens to boast. But over time, there will always be those hubs that excel in the hearts (and appetites) of the people. That’s exactly what happened to Annerley’s Billykart Kitchen ever since it opened in September 2013.

What used to be the old Clifton Hill General Store is now a vibrant food hub with delectable items well-appreciated by both locals and tourists. Standing proudly in the wide tree-lined streets of the suburb, the establishment was named for the fact that the area was a “hotspot” in the 1950s “for kids to race billykarts down the hills.” It is for this same reason that the charming 80-seater café maintains its sweet “corner store” vibe.

Located in Annerley’s 1 Eric Cres, this licensed café serves food items cooked from “fresh, local and seasonal produce” by Australia’s renowned celebrity chef, television presenter, and author. Their menu items are regularly changing to meet the demands and differing interests of everyone. “We see Billykart Kitchen as being a real part of the community and look forward to connecting with all the locals,” said Ben.

Owners Ben and Dee also proudly grow spices and herbs in their own organic garden. With this, café patrons are guaranteed to be eating healthy garden to gourmet fare. Their well-loved food items include the Aussie Asian Eggs (with King Prawns Bacon & Chili and Date), Apple and Quinoa Bircher Muesli, Roasted Coconut, Hazelnut & Pecans, Pulled Berkshire Pork Shoulder, Sugar Loaf Slaw & Baja Sauce, Chili Mussel and Diamond Shell Clams, and Charcuterie Board with House-made Piccalilli.

They also serve Danish pastries and gluten-free baked goods. They make scrumptious complements for delicious cups of warm Campos Coffee. Cakes, jams, cream, and butter are produced straight from the café’s nifty kitchen.

Click here to view their extended general menu.

Friday nights at Billykart Kitchen are fun moments to remember. It is only during this day of the week that the café stays open to “serve a special dinner service.” Each Friday, Chef Ben showcases “a range of diverse cuisines” depending on the season and available produce. Sometimes, he even serves really delicious food at his own fancy. If you’re lucky, you might be in for a rather tasty surprise!

Billykart Kitchen
Photo Credit: Featured image from https://www.zomato.com/brisbane/billy-kart-kitchen-moorooka

“Stumbled upon this corner cafe and so glad that we did. First impression, great atmosphere and friendly staff. Everything on the menu sounds amazing but you have to have the crispy pork with cuttlefish and Asian salad… it’s to die for! I could easily have another serving!!! Looking forward to coming back to eat my way through the menu.” [ Stacey Tan, visitor review ]

Annerley’s Billykart Kitchen is open seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays, 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Fridays), and 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays). Bookings are essential. For inquiries, reservations, and private functions, you may call on (+61) 7 3392 9275 or email to info@billykartkitchen.com.

Click here to give your review on one of Brisbane’s best cafés.

Annerley Junction Jumble Sale 2017 Goes “Unplugged” This July

Stop by the Annerley Junction this 1 July and be prepared for a fun shopping experience. Choose from a wide array of really affordable goods. The Annerley Junction Jumble Sale will be “Unplugged” again this 2017! Event starts this weekend at 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. You wouldn’t want to be late in this phenomenal winter event.

Last year’s Jumble Sale was a huge hit, setting a new milestone with an increased number of stalls, the highest turnout so far in its four years of history. This year won’t be much different given that everyone of all ages and abilities are invited. Shoppers are guaranteed to be busy scouring over preloved (secondhand) and/or handmade products from the various multicultural stalls. Baked goods and tasty food items are also available.

This year’s Jumble Sale forms part of the joint event with Annerley’s Arcade Market, Community Hub “Buy Swap Sell” Market, and Junction Traders Association. The event will be more community-centred and fun for everyone. There will be a fantastic strip of shops, restaurants offering specials, and some worthwhile activities. You can choose to shop, dine, be creative or attend a fitness class. Your day at the Junction will be yours to enjoy!

Annerley Junction Jumble Sale
Are you up for some street fun? It’s going to be a busy day at the Junction this weekend. Photo Credit: Featured image from http://www.annerley.org

With the Community Hub’s “Buy, Swap, Sell” Market this weekend, shoppers can spoil themselves with tempting discounts on clothes, books, and other contemporary finds. The Arcade Market, meanwhile, will feature crafted goods ranging from artisan, handmade, vintage, collectables, and bric a bracs. It will be a busy yet vibrant day for all during this year’s Annerley Junction Jumble Sale.

Parents are also welcome to bring their toddlers along. The little ones can enjoy their very own Toddler Time session. There’s the One Million Stars Craft, too, where parent and child can both join the fun for a good cause to end violence. And, if you can’t get enough of your creativity, get busy with some Chalk Art and display your skill along the footpath.

Food trippers and coffee lovers, on the other hand, can indulge themselves at cafés. They can check out Annerley Kitchen, Dudley Street Espresso, and Little Clive. There’s a food truck and sausage sizzle, too!

From comic book stores, fabric halls, antiques display, jewellery stalls, and much more, what’s not to like in this annual event? There’s sure to be everything for everyone in the family at this weekend’s Jumble Sale. So, don’t miss out and bargain away!

Annerley Junction is conveniently situated in the corner of Ipswich and Annerley Roads. No bookings required. Attendance is absolutely FREE. For inquiries, call on (+61) 7 3255 9982.

Click here to RSVP on the event.

Yeronga Community Garden Promotes BCC’s Composting Project through Workshop

Ever since the Brisbane City Council coordinated with various community gardens, more locals have participated in making Brisbane a healthier and greener environment. Yeronga is one of many communities that are actively participating in this crusade. On Sunday, the 18th of June, the Yeronga Community Garden will host a Compost and Worm Farm Workshop. This free event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to learn how to “reduce the organic waste” sent to Brisbane’s landfills.

In line with the BCC’s composting project, one of the primary goals of community gardens is to educate locals on using kitchen and garden scraps for organic soil enrichment. This way, there would be lesser usage of chemicals in gardens and landfills would be rid of organic waste. Indeed, it is a better idea to use such wastes in gardens instead of just sending them over to landfills.

Yeronga Community Garden
Composting promotes healthy soil and organic crops. Photo Credit: Helen Hynd via ‎Yeronga Community Gardens Group/Facebook

Organically-fed edible plants are healthier to eat than those fed with chemicals and other commercial fertilizers. Also, food waste is reportedly “a big part of what goes into Brisbane’s bins” causing organic materials to pile up in landfills. Because of this, the BCC is thus promoting organic waste composting in all of Brisbane.

The BCC’s Community Composting program encourages locals who live near the newly-supplied composting hubs to “regularly contribute their kitchen scraps to the community garden compost bin.” Educational workshops will also be conducted for everyone to “learn more about the many benefits of composting and other great ways to reduce the amount of organic waste.” Participants to such workshops will be given “a free kitchen caddy”, which they can use for collecting and transporting waste materials to the nearby composting hubs.

Yeronga Community Garden
Those kitchen scraps would serve your garden better than the landfill. Photo Credit: Featured image from http://www.doityourself.com/stry/is-your-garden-as-organic-as-you-think-it-is

Among the community gardens currently involved in the program are the ones in Annerley and Yeronga. The workshop, which will be conducted on the 3rd Sunday of June, will be held in the suburb’s community garden conveniently located at 24 Killarney Street. Attendees are advised to “wear a hat and flat enclosed shoes.” People are also advised to bring drinking water and sunscreen. Morning tea is provided on site.

Limited places are available for the event. Participants of all ages are welcome. For bookings and inquiries, you may contact the BCC on 07 3403 8888. If you have time to spare, stop by and help make Brisbane a healthier and greener place to live.

Click here for public transport fares, timetables, and accessible options.

Meanwhile, if you want to sign up for a free BCC compost and worm farm workshop or to simply be involved at your nearby community composting hub, register online by clicking here.

Where to Go to Get Inked in Annerley

Thinking about getting inked? Stop by Annerley’s 10 Fanny Street and you’ll be transported to cute “rockabilly heaven”.  Mimsy’s Trailer Trash Tattoo is the best place to go to get inked in Annerley. Style Magazine’s leading pick as one of Brisbane’s Best Tattoo Studios, Mimsy’s Trailer Trash Tattoo reportedly has “a veritable gold mine of talent” for all your custom tattoo needs.

Stepping into Mimsy’s, you’ll see that the place is a retro rock haven for body art enthusiasts. Visit Mimsy’s pastel pink 1959 Sun Liner trailer and you’ll see why. Pink flamingos, white picket fence, retro furniture pieces, and framed rockabilly artworks are just some of the decors that adorn this charming tattoo hub. And oh! There’s a Tiki lounge, too, where you can just relax.

Since their grand opening flash day last 19th of February this year, they have been constantly gaining attention from the locals due to their quirky establishment, fun customer service, and amazing tattoo artistry.

A Fun Team of Talented Body Artists

Annerley’s one-stop spot for custom tattoos prides itself on having a talented team that specialises in neo-traditional and American traditional body art styles. Their bespoke designs, colourful creations, and attention to detail are what make Mimsy’s a favorite tattoo hub among many body art enthusiasts.

Meet Mimsy, Tommy Doom, Chantel, Clayton Drew, and Jesse Castle. They are the team members behind Mimsy’s intricately vibrant rockabilly designs. The owner of Trailer Trash Tattoo, Mimsy herself is a full-time tattoo artist. Mimsy specialises in “cutesy, girly style.” Her fondness for cute and adorable feminine stuff is evident on her tattoo designs and the tattoo hub itself.

Click here to see Mimsy’s Instagram gallery.

Each of the other tattoo artists has their own personal artistic touch. This way, customers are guaranteed to be inked by the artist that would best match the intricacies of their preferred design and their personal taste.

Check out the Instagram galleries of Mimsy’s team members:

Tommy Doom Chantel Clayton Drew Jesse Castle

Things to Remember Before & After Getting Inked

  1. Make sure you’re already 18-years-old. It is against the law to tattoo a minor.
  2. Prepare the “idea, placement, sizing (in centimetres), budget and any questions you may have” for your desired custom tattoo.
  3. Be sure to have eaten within four hours prior to your tattoo appointment.
  4. Do not take any blood thinners (like aspirin or ibuprofen) within 24 hours of being inked.
  5. Do not consume alcoholic drinks within 8 hours.
  6. Once tattooed, leave the cling wrap on for an hour. Upon removal, you can then wash the tattooed area with plain soap and water.
  7. Once the area is air-dried, apply only a very small amount of ointment (such as After Ink, Bepanthen, or Lucas’ Paw Paw).
  8. Do not peel the scabs on the tattooed area or else the colour will drop out.
  9. Do not soak the newly tattooed area or do not go swimming just yet until the area is totally healed.

Mimsy’s Trailer Trash Tattoo is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Mondays to Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays. Walk-ins are welcome but you may also book in by calling 07 3848 5964 or emailing at trailertrashtattoo@hotmail.com.  

Click here to check out Mimsy’s merchandise at Etsy.

 

Erasing a Tattoo

If you’re already inked and want to remove your previous tattoo to make way for a new one, head on down 2km away from Mimsy’s vintage hub. There you will find the Lazco Tattoo Removal clinic. Conveniently located at Stones Corner’s 309 Logan Rd, the clinic specialises in 100% tattoo removal with their state of the art laser machines. Consultation is free. You may contact them on 07 3397 0270.

Four-Week Semba Angolana Workshops Happening in Annerley

Locals in Annerley and nearby Brisbane suburbs can put on their dancing shoes and learn to dance some upbeat Semba.

Passada School of Afro Latin Dance is a conducting a four-week semba course suited for beginners and advanced dancers. Jo Columbres Suter and Clement Maura will be teaching participants during the dance workshops, which will commence on 21st of May.

During the 4-week course, participants will get to learn about the origins of kizomba and semba and learn about the difference between kizomba and semba. The workshop will also cover intermediate and advanced patterns, styling and choreographed routines.

4-Week Schedule:

Date:  Sunday 21 May 2017
2.00pm – 3.30pm: Workshop
3.30pm – 4.00pm: Semba practica

Date:  Sunday 28 May 2017
2.00pm – 3.30pm: Workshop
3.30pm – 4.00pm: Semba practica

Date:  Sunday 11 June 2017
2.00pm – 3.30pm: Workshop
3.30pm – 4.00pm: Semba practica

Date:  Sunday 18 June 2017
2.00pm – 3.30pm: Workshop
3.30pm – 4.00pm: Semba practica

Venue:  Vida Yoga Fitness Dance, 474 Ipswich Rd, Annerley

Find out more about the event here.

A Weekend with Vasco

Internationally renowned semba Angolana instructor Djks Vasco is coming to Annerley to spend one weekend with Brisbane kizonbeiros. He is highly respected for his authentic traditional dance style, especially in kizomba, semba and Afro dance.

The weekend with Vasco will happen in between the 4-week semba course. It is a separate workshop, but there will be a special discount for those who will avail of the 4-week semba course online.

Watch Vasco in a semba demo

A Weekend with Vasco Schedule:

Date: Saturday, 3 June
3pm: Kizomba technique (lead & follow)
4pm: Kizomba ginga steps
5pm: Semba I
Venue:  VIDA Yoga Fitness Dance, 474 Ipswich Rd, Annerley

730pm – late: Party with DJ Vasco (kizomba, semba & Afro)
Venue: TBA, Brisbane

Date: Sunday, 4 June
3pm: Semba II
4pm: Semba show (lifts & tricks)
5pm: Afro movement
Venue: VIDA Yoga Fitness Dance, 474 Ipswich Rd, Annerley

730pm – late: FAREWELL PARTY with DJ Vasco (kizomba, semba & Afro)
Venue: TBA

More information on A Weekend with Vasco.

Get directions to VIDA Yoga Fitness Dance

 

(Photo credit: Clement Maura/Facebook)

Annerley School Kids Become Walking Reminders of Road Safety

Drivers in Annerley are receiving creative reminders about road safety from school kids. Junction Park State School has taken up the initiative to have its students wear 40km speed sign backpacks. Apparently, this new trend has been made compulsory by the school to avoid road accidents and help keep the students safe.

The new school policy is in line with the latest road safety campaign of the Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF). Called “Safely Backpacks”, the campaign aims to remind Brisbane drivers to be mindful when driving along school zones. By sporting a backpack that clearly shows the 40km speed sign, students become the walking reminders of road safety. The ARSF hopes that drivers are encouraged to travel “at the right speed.”

The latest national safety statistics report on Australian road deaths reveals that there were 1,296 road deaths in 2016. For 2017, 263 deaths have already been recorded for the first quarter. The Department of Infrastructure and Transport also keeps track of areas where road accidents often occur. These areas, among others, include schools, driveways to home, and streets or highways. Days with heavy number of incidents are reportedly Mondays to Fridays.

Annerley School Gets Involved

The alarming numbers of road accidents led the concerned school staff of Annerley’s Junction Park State School to coordinate with the ARSF in getting their students involved in raising awareness on responsible and safe driving. On the 18th of  April, ARSF campaign bags were handed out to prep students, who were also required to use them. Christine Wood, the institution’s principal, said that their school is “excited to be a part of this new initiative which will help save kids’ lives.” According to her, parents should now feel safer when sending their kids to school. Ms Wood is encouraging other schools in Australia to join the ARSF cause.

Walking Reminders

Russell White, founder and CEO of the ARSF explained how their  foundation wants kids to “make it to school safely.” Thus, through their latest campaign, they are calling on drivers, not just in Annerley, to regulate their speed when in school zones. Mr White stresses the importance of having all drivers do their part in staying within the speed limits, for a “safer, stronger and more resilient” community.

According to him, thousands of motorists in school zones have been caught speeding  in the past months, blatantly putting the community in danger. ARSF’s Safely Backpacks will be walking reminders that will hopefully lead drivers to drive more carefully to prevent accidents.

To learn more about the Safely Backpacks campaign, interested citizens may contact ARSF via hotline (1300 723 843) or email (info@australianroadsafetyfoundation.com).

Click here to know more about the ARSF.

Photo Credit: Featured Image from http://www.australianroadsafetyfoundation.com

Annerley’s Sizzler Feared to be Closed

Just months since Collins Foods announced that it will be closing its restaurant in Toowong, the company has also decided to stop the food chain operations at Brookside in Mitchelton and at Kogarah in Sydney. Now, many locals in Annerley fear that their neighbourhood Sizzler will follow suit.

KFC comes in as Sizzler goes out?

Late last year, a development application was presented to the Brisbane City Council proposing a “new freestanding fast food restaurant with a drive thru.” According to the application, Annerley’s KFC would be developed and maintained, while Sizzler will apparently be “removed.” Collins Foods has 121 KFC restaurants in Queensland and is the largest franchisee in Australia.

To date, however, there has not been any final word yet on the fate of Sizzler’s Annerley restaurant. In an interview with other members of the media, a spokeswoman said that it is “business as usual” for now at the neighbourhood’s Sizzler store.

“Collins Foods Limited is reviewing the best usage of its Annerley Sizzler restaurant site and is working with Council on this part of its long-term business planning,” she continued. According to her, they are yet to finalise their plans. Proposed changes, if any, would definitely be made known not just to their team members but also to their customers.

What happened to Sizzler?

“Sizzler was a brand of its time and stuck in the past,” said Francis Loughran, food consultancy firm Future Food’s Managing Director. “Sizzler created friendly family restaurants that represented value for money, great service and easy parking. But the market changed and the customers who visit Sizzler is shrinking,” he added.

With many new and more appetizing choices popping out from the menus of more and more family dining establishments, the food chain industry has become a whole lot competitive than it was before. According to Mr Loughran, customers are finding Sizzler boring now from the store’s “never changing menu fatigue.” Feedback from customers seem to reflect this, as well.

“It was looking cold, there wasn’t much change about it and the food was always the same. I think buffet places are past their sell-by-date. Nowadays, I prefer Italian and Chinese restaurants.”  — Mr Watson

Although the food chain’s owners continue to claim that the restaurant brand will not be phased out in Australia, they have admitted that they are “no longer investing in the group,” particularly in this country’s market. They have also announced that Collins Foods will focus instead on Sizzler stores in Asia where Australian-owned and All-American diners are still a big hit. In the coming weeks, there will only be an estimated 16 Sizzler establishments left throughout the Australian food chain industry.

Will Sizzler at Annerley survive the axe? Folks in the area will just have to wait and see.

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor.com

Anneley Collector Sets Up Photography Evolution Exhibit

Sit.Pose.Snap exhibition focuses on photographers in history rather than the photos.

An Annerley doctor who has collected over 40,000 photographs has set up a photography exhibition showcasing the story of photography in Brisbane from 1850-1950.

Marcel Safier has collaborated with Museum of Brisbane curator Phil Manning to come up with the exhibition titled ‘Sit.Pose.Snap. Brisbane Portrait Photography 1850-1950.’

Mr Safier sorted through his massive collection of photographs and of the thousands of images, 340 photographs are being presented in the Museum of Brisbane exhibit.

Because of his love for photography and his huge collection of old photographs, Mr Safier is considered among the most significant collectors of Australian portrait photography.

Mr Safier started his love for photography when he first used his mother’s Box Brownie. At the age of 15, he first got hold of old family photographs. This inspired him to research the story of the photographers behind the collection.

Of the thousands of photographs in his collection, most are Australian, but there are also photos from Britain, New Zealand and other countries.

A Journey Back in Time

The Sit.Pose.Snap exhibition takes visitors back in time to show how photography started in Brisbane. But instead of simply presenting his collection of old photographs, the display will focus more on the figures behind the camera.

With the help of Mr Safier’s collection, guests coming to the City Hall can imagine how in 1850, a travelling salesman came to Brisbane and changed the way locals make portraits. The salesman offered portraits using the daguerreotype method, where the framed image was produced on glass.

Eastman Kodak’s Box Brownie gave everyday people the capability to take their own photos.

The exhibit will follow the story of the evolution of local photography, including when cameras became available commercially. With the introduction of Eastman Kodak’s Box Brownie, the common people started to take their own photographs.

The people behind the exhibit hope that through the display, visitors can get a better understanding of how photography has changed through time.

The exhibit is open to the public from March 24 to July 30, 2017, from 10am until 5pm daily. Entrance is free of charge. For more information, visit the Museum of Brisbane website.

Council Seeks Public Feedback on Bike Safety

Brisbane City Council will be consulting the community regarding cyclist safety on one of the most dangerous roads for bike riders in Annerley.

Starting March, the council will request the community and cycling groups to provide feedback on the plans and designs of the bikeway that will be built to ensure the safe commute of cyclists. This is part of the council’s initiative called the Woolloongabba Bikeway Project, which involves investment of $11 million for the upgrade of Annerley Road and the Stanley St Corridor

The project is part of the Better Bikeways 4 Brisbane program, wherein the city council will spend $100-million in a span of four years. The Woolloongabba project aims to give cyclists with a safe and continuous bikeway as they travel on Annerley Rd and Stanley St.

Councillor Nicole Johnston of Tennyson expressed that the planned cycleway needs to be extended. She said that there is a need to look into ways the project can properly connect with the southern suburb bikeways.

Visit Brisbane City Council’s website to learn more about the bikeway project.

Last Stage of Veloway Cycleway Project Underway

Construction has begun on the final phase of the Veloway Cycleway Stage D, which will serve cyclists from Annerley, Greenslopes and Buranda.

This is a welcome development for those on the southern side of Brisbane who choose a healthier and more environmentally friendly way of heading to their destination.

The Veloway 1 (V1) is a 3-metre wide cycleway that connects bikers from Brisbane CBD to the Gateway Motorway off-ramp at Eight Mile Plains. The project is divided into five stages, with 3 of them already completed and in use. V1 will provide 17km of safe and dedicated bike lane for cyclists.

Stage D should be completed in late 2017, provided it will not be delayed by unfriendly weather conditions or other construction hiccups. It will run from Lewisham St. in Greenslopes up to O’Keefe St. in Buranda.

Once Stage D is completed, the proposal is to proceed with Stage E, which will run from Birdwood Road in Holland Park West to Gaza Road in Tarragindi. Stage E is currently subject to funding.

To get more details about the project, visit the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads website.