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New Paddington Restaurant Elementi First to Offer ‘Baciata’ Pizza Sandwiches

The new Italian restaurant Elementi, which has now opened its doors for dine-in customers, is the first restaurant in Paddington to offer the baciata — a curious yet delectable sandwich-like dish that’s not quite a pizza and not quite a calzone.

Though the restaurant was open solely for takeout earlier in February 2021, Elementi now offers the community an authentic Italian dine-in experience, and it intends to differentiate itself from the other Italian restaurants in the area by offering a unique dish unheard of in Brisbane.

Elementi’s baciata is a meal that consists of crispy flat focaccia filled with buffalo mozzarella cheese, mortadella, pistachio, and lemon juice. The sandwich special is so large that Elementi recommends a single order should be split between two people, pricing the meal at $40.

Similar to baciata, Elementi also serves panotto caprese: a large pizza panini filled with diced tomatoes, truffle stracciatella cheese, and fresh basil. The meal is priced at $23, and is good enough for one person.

Elementi’s panotto caprese
Photo credit: Instagram/elementi.restaurant

Baciata and panotto aren’t the only things on the menu, however. Elementi also takes pride in their pasta dishes such as their linguine pasta with tiger prawns, garlic, chili, tomato sugo, and grated fish roe for $26. The restaurant also offers a nice pizza stracciata, which incorporates tomato, stracciatella, prosciutto, and arugula for $24.

Elementi’s Pizza Stracciata
Photo credit: Instagram/elementi.restaurant

Elementi’s dine-in services and bar opened on the 15th of March 2021. The restaurant offers their full menu with a curated selection of Italian wine, as well as local craft beer.

A small sample of Elementi’s wine selection.
Photo credit: Instagram/elementi.restaurant

Elementi is located at 257 Given Terrace, Brisbane, open every day of the week with the exception of Tuesday. For more information, visit their website. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on meals, deals, dates, and other important announcements.

Aged Care Community Receives New Electronic Pets With Student Fundraiser

Students from Kelvin State Grove College recently held a fundraiser and worked hard to raise enough funds for the purchase of three new electronic pets for the Carinity Hilltop aged care community.

The donation was made possible by the Kelvin State Grove College Junior School’s student representative council (SRC). The students were able to raise a grand total of $700, which allowed Carinity Hilltop to purchase three new electronic companion pets.

According to Carinity Hilltop Diversional Therapist Lois Healy, these lifelike electronic devices “…move and sound like real animals and respond to petting and hugging,” and that they provide “…great comfort and joy for older seniors.” Currently, the school is hosting a contest for students to name one of the companion pets, a dog.

Abbie Duncan, one of the students who set up fundraisers with the help of her fellow council members, talks enthusiastically about their project.

“Our SRC teachers asked for us to come up with some ideas for what we could fundraise for, for our free dress day that was coming up, and we wanted to support something in the local community,” says Abbie.

Kelvin Grove State College student Abbie Duncan and Carinity Hilltop aged care resident Betty Wright with the companion pets.
Photo credit: Carinity Hilltop

Once she finishes school, Abbie aspires to become a medical engineer who intends to design new medical equipment that could potentially be used in aged care settings. “I think it’s important to be involved and part of the community because we’re all neighbours,” says Abbie.

Ramandeep Gill, the Carinity Hilltop Residential Manager, is grateful for the attention and support.

“Our residents and staff thank the school students for their very generous donation. We look forward to more collaborations in the future,” he said.

Carinity Hilltop is located at 23 Rochester Terrace. For more information, visit their website here or follow the Carinity Facebook page.

Concern Grows About Overcrowded Classrooms at Kelvin Grove State College

Kelvin Grove State College has exceeded its target class size for 2020. The school is one of over a hundred other schools that have gone beyond their class size and enrolment capacity, in the midst of an increasing concern about overcrowded classrooms in schools.

State schools across Queensland must ideally have a maximum of 25 students in each classroom for Prep to Year 3 and Year 11 to 12, whilst Years 4 to 10 classes must have a maximum of 28 students, per the Queensland Teachers’ Union. However, about 98 percent of state school secondary classes in Queensland have reached these maximum numbers and 94 percent are at capacity for primary state schools.

Kelvin Grove State College exceeded its capacity by three students in a class.

Classroom overcrowding isn’t a new problem in Queensland but it has become the norm based on these target numbers. Queensland Teachers’ Union believes that extra students in one class must be applicable only in “exceptional circumstance is described as ‘rare, unusual, atypical or unexpected.'”

Overcrowding can result in poor performances in students as teachers become overstretched to facilitate person-to-person direction due to the extra work.

According to the Education Department, the ideal class size targets are not a ceiling but a guide for the principals. Some classes might have extra students to keep all children in the same year levels together.

To help with the overcrowding at Kelvin Grove State College, the State Government opened Fortitude Valley State Secondary College in September 2020 to 150 students. Its population is expected to increase to 1,500 in five years, upon the completion of the senior building section and the sports centre.

This is the first new state high school to be built in the inner city in 50 years.

“Now that Stage 1 is complete, you have two distinct and completed precincts, including the Brookes Street Precinct with a learning centre, a performing arts centre and beautiful outdoor spaces; and the recently completed St Pauls Terrace Precinct which includes a seven-storey junior learning centre with specialist and general learning areas, and a lawn,” Education Minister Grace Grace said.

“And we are all looking forward to opening Stage 2 in 2023, which will deliver a sports facility and a secondary learning precinct for Years 10 to 12.

Smoked Paprika: East-European Takes on Popular Breakfast Meals in Paddington

After moving to Paddington in November 2020, Chef Gabor Traub’s cafe Smoked Paprika officially reopened its doors to an eager suburban clientele. Despite its relocation, the heart of this Australian/Eastern European restaurant remains the same as when they were based in Bardon.

The restaurant takes pride in its breakfast menu, which offers a wide range of home-cooked comfort dishes rife with Hungarian influences, ranging from the beef goulash and poached eggs present in their signature Smoked Paprika Breakfast all the way to their crepes filled with chicken paprikash, which they serve with cheese, spinach, mushrooms, and chorizo.

Diners with dietary restrictions have nothing to worry about. Smoked Paprika’s menu offers gluten-free and vegetarian options to satisfy everyone’s cravings and needs. Customer love their whipped Persian fetta on sourdough and their kale, pumpkin on zucchini fritters and other unique-yet-delectable options in their menu.

There’s more to Smoked Paprika’s menu than meals, however. Let’s not forget to give credit to some of their signature desserts and beverages; it is a cafe, after all.

One of the brightest and sweetest drinks up for orders right now is their strawberries and cream smoothie, served inside an ice-cold mason jar and topped off with whipped cream and an old-school striped straw.

Topping off all these scrumptious meals is their coffee, which is nothing short of spectacular. Supplied by local artisan roasters Dramanti, the quality of Smoked Paprika’s coffee is guaranteed. Even without the accompaniment of a rich and hearty meal, a piping hot cup of fresh coffee from this Hungarian café is more than capable of standing on its own.

Dramanti Coffee
Photo credit: Smoked Paprika

Customers can’t help but find themselves drawn to the restaurant’s quality beverages and generous servings. Also, many of their dishes are traditional breakfast meals touched with Hungarian inspiration so this makes for a memorable experience that swiftly cements Smoked Paprika as the newest go-to place in Paddington.

Smoked Paprika at 2/5 Nash St, Paddington is open all week from 7:00AM to 2:30PM. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates concerning their latest meals and deals!

Paddington, Brisbane CBD Rental Vacancies Rate Robust Despite the Pandemic

Rental vacancies in Brisbane CBD and the middle ring suburbs, such as Paddington, remain tight and robust after an escalation in mid-2020, prompting the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) to say that it has “the only healthy rental market(s) in Queensland.”

Brisbane CBD’s rental vacancies dropped to a quarterly rate of 3.3 percent from 5 percent in June last year, whilst Paddington’s rental vacancies rate was at 2.1 percent by December 2020.

Also showing signs of improvement among the middle ring areas include New Farm (1.9 percent), Saint Lucia (1.7 percent), Hawthorne (1.4 percent), whilst outer ring suburbs like Hamilton, Ashgrove, Cannon Hill, Camp Hill, Moorooka and Holland Park recorded less than 2 percent availability.

“In the last six months we’ve witnessed some record lows across capital city suburbs; figures we’ve certainly not seen for well over a decade,” Antonia Mercorella, CEO of the REIQ, said.

Ms Mercorella, however, said that the “market has yet to fully rebound” even with the improving vacancy levels.

The REIQ CEO credits the State Government for its COVID-19 measures, which have kept tenancies intact. Interstate migration and Aussies returning from overseas were also seen as big factors.

But some renters, who have put in countless applications and gone to many rental inspections, noticed that there are more than 30 to 40 applicants for a single home in these hotspots. Industry insiders agree that home inspections have risen to an unprecedented level with long lines outside the door of a newly-listed property, per a Domain report.

One real estate agent compared Brisbane’s housing market to rolls of toilet paper at a supermarket shelf, where everyone wants it but there isn’t enough in the inventory.

Paddington agent Judi O’Dea said that some investors, especially those coming home from overseas, are snapping up homes despite no inspections. Pre-pandemic, Paddington realtors wait an average of 70 days before reaching an agreement with the parties involved in the rent or sale of a property.

Le Coin Brings Local French Bistro Vibe to Red Hill

Everyone loves to share a simple, good-hearted and good-natured meal with good company and this sense of bonhomie is what you’ll get at Le Coin, the newly-opened French bistro at the corner of Enoggera Terrace and Waterworks Road in Red Hill.

Le Coin, the French word for “the corner,” is the ultimate family dining place built for comfort, satisfaction and relaxation. From the same group that owns Haig Rd Bistro in Auchenflower, this restaurant has an easygoing ambience that makes French food so accessible.

The ground floor area is alfresco, with weathered seats or a cushioned sofa set filled with heaps of colourful pillows. It has the vibe of the French Riviera. The second floor, on the other hand, is the formal dining section with sophisticated table settings. If you haven’t been to Haig Rd Bistro, the top floor of Le Coin is pretty much similar to its sister site.

Much like its sister site, Le Coin also carries a similar lunch or dinner menu with three to four courses. The Red Hill restaurant, however, offers breakfast and opens seven days a week.

The choices include an elaborately prepared plate of omelette with brioche French toast for breakfast or escargot, barramundi meunière, gnocchi with mushroom and tarte flambe for lunch or dinner.

Dessert options are plenty as well — crepes, parfait or creme brulee are the instant mood boosters to perfectly end a satisfying meal.

Of course, a good-natured French meal isn’t complete without the wine and Le Coin has a comprehensive drink list that also includes gin and tonic and house cocktails. BYO is welcome on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Le Coin is the ideal place to drop by for coffee or a snack or for big meals and wine before or after you watch a movie from the cinema across the street. Follow their Facebook page for updates and the opening hours.

“It’s been wonderful to have such an excellent bistro as our neighbours in Red Hill! Best Croque Monsieur ever and I thought that was great until I had the eye fillet last night – Magnifique! Not to mention the gin cocktails that are so special! Not surprised it’s been a winner – keep it up Marcus and your lovely staff”
Sue Westall, Google Reviews

“Although international travel seems like a far off dream, Le Coin provides a European oasis. Enjoyed a decadent afternoon sipping champagne and scoffing oysters to the soft background of the piano accordion. High dining at a reasonable price with attentive, friendly, down to earth staff. A hidden gem in Paddington.”
Pip Weiland, Google Reviews

Ngon in Paddington Launches Given Kitchen & Bar

Despite a rollercoaster ride in 2020, Ngon, the popular Vietnamese restaurant located at the heart of Paddington, is opening a new venture just a short walk away. Given Kitchen & Bar is ready to satisfy your cravings for heaps of Asian food cooked in the traditional way.

Do you love grilling over charcoal than gas? Given Kitchen & Bar , a few doors down Ngon in Given Terrace, specialises in chargrilled dishes that lock in the smoky, delicious flavour. The new inception focuses on fresh, scrumptious seafood meals cooked over charcoal for lunch or dinner.

Breakfast selections at the new restaurant feature Asian-inspired meals best paired with a cup of coffee from The Black Lab Coffee Co.

“Everything on the menu is designed to be shared and every dish is perfectly balanced to complement each other,” the owners shared. “Our food is designed and cooked in-house, making it fresh on a daily basis. Whilst our menu is predominantly Vietnamese inspired, we take influence from all cuisines across the continent of Asia.”

At night, this eatery will host DJ performances creating an easy-going vibe — the perfect setting for unwinding after a long day.

Given Kitchen & Bar is a few minutes walk from Ngon and is set to open in late January 2021. It comes nearly 20 months after the Ngon first welcomed its regular guests in Paddington.

“When covid hit our lives were turned upside down, limited financial help and sales down by 90% we were left with 2 options. Close shop and throw in the towel or come together as a family and face the epidemic together with our sleeves rolled up,” Chef Tuan said in a post on Instagram in June.

But the chef pressed on and conceptualize this new shop, along with revitalizing his original restaurant and putting Ngon on the map as one of the best Vietnamese eateries in Brisbane. The next goal is to repeat Ngon’s success, amidst a challenging period, with Given Kitchen & Bar.

Lil Gypsy Van Parks at New Digs in Given Terrace

Wondering where Lil Gypsy Van has parked? Any Paddington local must have seen this cute travelling cafe and bar at Latrobe Terrace for quite some time but the van has moved to a new location on Given Terrace this January 2021.

The owners of Lil Gypsy Van announced on their social media pages that they have closed the van at their old location and have relocated 300 metres away.

The new site is next door to Presents of Mind and across Paddington Hardware. It’s not hard to spot since it’s set in a gorgeous and spacious area for the kids to play.

Lil Gypsy Van first came to be during the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Originally set out as a pop-up servicing various events across Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, the van eventually found a permanent home in Paddington.

The former mobile bar serves homemade freshly baked goodies and delicious coffee, which many locals attest is one of the best in the suburb.

However, the people of Paddington make it point to stop by for Rachel, the driver behind the wheel, as she personally makes visitors to her mobile bar feel so much at home.

Raring to visit the new digs? Lil Gypsy Van’s regular trading hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. but you may text 0431 459 192 ahead to see what treats are served for the day.

“I seldom walk to go shopping and I’ve already decided which cafe to grab that day, but I just run into this travelling cafe which was so exquisite and looked like a huge play toys in little girls’ dreams. I just couldn’t help stopping by and fulfilled my wish I had in childhood. Grabed a coffee and had this beautiful toy for a while. The coffee that day tasted sweet and fruity，so matched with the orange sunshade, everything in this cafe made you feel you were a little active girl again, who was filling with energy and curiosity about the world. And the good news is the Lil Gypsy has settled in Paddington, you won’t want to miss it.”
Frances Lin, Google Reviews

“What a great little find 10/10 coffee, beautiful espresso with perfectly textured milk and the service again…. spot on friendly, happy, smiling and up for a quick chat! I will be definitely stopping every time I pass through Paddington! Thank you Lil Gypsy!”
Charmaine, Google Reviews

Little Locals: Church Turned Childcare Centre Opens in Auchenflower

A former church on the corner of Milton Road and Wienholt Street in Auchenflower has been transformed into a fun childcare centre with its own 15-metre indoor slide and outdoor play spaces. Little Locals opened on 9 Nov 2020 to a host of families whose children have been enjoying and settling into their new daycare space.

The family-owned business is Little Locals’ sixth site and will be managed by Sophie Jones, who has 10 years of experience in early education. The facility may accommodate up to 120 children, from ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, who will be cared for, guided and supervised by 30 experienced educators.

Photo Credit: Little Locals Auchenflower/Facebook

Much of the church’s structure has been retained in planning the unique facility, including its stained glass windows, archways and exposed rafters. The old blends with the new as the centre boasts of creative play areas like a water park, racetrack and trampoline.

All over the centre are murals painted by artist JR Ellis, which depicts the wildife of Mt Coot-tha.

“Our centre encourages children to develop a bond with the natural environment through gardening, sorting and participating in a green program which shows respect for the natural world,” the owners said in a statement.

Director Eric Grindley-Ferris revealed that slots for 2021 are slowly filling up, with fees averaging from $134.50 to $139. These prices include lunch and excursion activities.

Residents initially objected to the childcare facility’s construction due to the noise and traffic that could disrupt the homes in the area. Little Locals built acoustic fences and agreed that the outdoor play areas will close by 6 p.m. Mr Grindley-Ferris said that street parking will be avoided since they have 26 underground parking spots.

Council approves ban on LED billboards in Paddington

Paddington residents campaigning against the erection of massive LED billboards at character precincts, such as Given Terrace and Latrobe Terrace, have achieved a win after the Council voted a ban on these electronic signs.

Councillor Jonathan Sri confirmed that Brisbane City Council will make “some minor interim amendments” to the Advertisements Local Law. The new stipulations will it harder for advertisers to secure approval for LED billboard ads in heritage properties and commercial character sites or pre-1911 buildings.

The changes will also make the local law retrospective.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Sri, Councillor for The Gabba/Facebook

The Council has not approved any electronic billboard application since the residents’ protests early this year. In September, an applicant withdrew plans to set up a LED billboard at 284 Given Terrace.

However, the campaign is not yet done as another advertiser managed to erect a billboard on Latrobe Terrace, whilst the deliberation was ongoing.

“Council has now admitted that community consultation was lacking and distinctive character precincts should not have LED Billboards approved. By that logic, the Latrobe Terrace Billboard must be revoked and removed,” Katinka Winston-Allom of the Greens (Cooper) said.

According to reports, a senior official informed Council to approve the sign but public access to the Right To Information documents detailing the approval process has been revoked. The said billboard is currently under Council review.

“The current process is not good enough,” Councillor Peter Matic said in June, following the Latrobe Terrace billboard fiasco. “It’s time for an overhaul and make them subject to more stringent assessment and a full consultation processes. These billboards are out of character; I wasn’t meaningfully consulted, the community wasn’t consulted and there needs to be checks and balances.”