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Clayfield Markets Changes to Harris Farm Markets by November

The beloved Clayfield Markets Fresh, which has been a market mainstay of purveyors of farm-fresh food in Clayfield for the last 29 years, has come full circle. Bought from David and Cathy Harris of Harris Farm Markets fame, this neighborhood market was run as Clayfield Markets Fresh by Carlo and Susan Lorenti and has now been sold to once again become part of the Harris Farm Markets family.

By November, Clayfield Markets Fresh will undergo a transformation before its reopening as Harris Farm Markets this November.

“After 29 wonderful years, we have come to the end of our journey owning Clayfield Markets Fresh. In exciting news, we have sold our beloved store to Harris Farms Markets. While this has been a decision made with a heavy heart (as this has been our life for all these years). We also realise that the time is right for us to pass on this wonderful store to a group that will love it as much as we do,” the Lorentis announced on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Clayfield Fresh Markets/Facebook

However, this is a but a new chapter for the Lorentis as they will stay on to help launch the new store, along with their current staff.

“We are incredibly excited to be opening at this site because Harris Farm used to own it 30 years ago before handing it over to Carlo and Susan,” Harris Farm Markets co-CEO Tristan Harris said. “It’s a full-circle story and we are thrilled that Carlo and Susan are staying on as our managers at Clayfield, along with as many staff as possible.”

Carlo confirmed that they will still be managing Harris Farms Markets in Clayfield.

“It’s an exciting time for everyone,” he said. “We are staying on with Harris Farms to assist with the transition and be a part of the new way forward!

“Please be rest assured that Harris Farms are well informed of our tradition and values that have been created over the many years in servicing the wider Brisbane community,” Carlo added. “They share our values and our commitment to you and to our suppliers. And they will create a vibrant new store and a new creative concept of fresh food shopping.”

Harris Farms Markets in Clayfield will be the “historic family home” in Brisbane whilst the company will also open its flagship store in May at the West Village in West End. The company will move into a part of the Peters Ice Cream building.

The NSW fresh produce retailer’s expansion in Queensland will bring jobs to over 200 staff in both the Clayfield and the West End outlets. Products from more than 300 Queensland growers, creators and producers will be available in these stores.

“The Clayfield store will be home to the best in fruit and vegetables, including a tomato shed, organic produce section and a leaderboard of Queensland strawberries and mangoes, as well as a gourmet grocery section of boutique local products, an extensive deli and offering of more than 200 cheeses, a bakery section with the best breads from sourdough to brioche, and a premium meat selection,” the CEO said.

Clayfield Markets Harris Farm Markets — Photo Credit: Supplied

“It will be a flavour-filled showcase of Queensland and Australian produce under one roof, and we can’t wait to open in November in a city that values their fresh fruit, vegetables and food stories so highly. Queensland is famed for the richness and range of produce grown across the state, and to be able to work with so many wonderful producers is one of our dreams.”

Harris Farm Markets has 22 stores employing 1,500 people across Australia. The family-owned company has been in business since 1971.

NATORG Cafe Promotes Healthy Living, Healthy Planet With New Menu

Did you know that a cafe exists next to the NATORG Salon at the corner of Junction and Alma Road, Clayfield? If you’re looking for a quiet place to take a break from your routine, NATORG Cafe is right there, tucked in a brilliant spot.

NATORG Cafe first welcomed diners before the Christmas holiday in 2019. However, like many businesses, the restaurant had to temporarily close in March due to the pandemic. The setback allowed the chef to come up with a new menu.

On July 27, NATORG Cafe launched its flakey pastries: Chicken & Mushroom Filo, Pumpkin & Spinach Filo, Caramelized Onion & Camembert Tart and Spinach & Feta Tart. These delights are best eaten with a warm mug of coffee or tea. ⠀

Food served at the cafe use locally-sourced organic ingredients. Aside from the flakey pastries, their bestsellers include a good selection of toasties — Falafel (vegan), Reuben (vegan) and Chicken and Cheese. Their drinks are from Leaf & Berry Organic, a product of Seven Miles. See their complete menu on the official site.

Just like its next-door eco-friendly salon, this cafe also promotes a healthy planet.

“We’re on a mission to leave a smaller footprint on the planet, but leave a big impression on your senses,” the owners said on its official site.

The cafe employs eco-friendly practices in managing the business. They take part in recycling programs, encourage customers to bring their own cup to lessen landfill wastes and spearhead a donation drive for nonperishable items.

Follow NATORG Cafe on Facebook for updates about store hours. Download their app for Android phones for orders and deliveries.

Clayfield House: Then and Now

Did you know that Clayfield House was originally designed to be a doctor’s surgery and residence? Formerly called ‘Turrawan’, this heritage-listed home remains to be a significant part of the suburb in a way that may not be quite the same, but close enough.

History of Clayfield House

Robert Smith (Robin) Dods designed the home to be a combined residence and surgery, for Dr Arthur C F Halford in 1905.

Dods is popular for incorporating architectural design ideas from the United Kingdom with traditional Queensland forms and materials. His designs subsequently influenced Australian architecture.

Robert Smith Dods. Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image number: 107372

A home with a surgery is a form that Dods was familiar with because his stepfather and brother were also doctors. He also designed the same concept for his brother on Wickham Terrace.

Clayfield House was constructed in 1906 as ‘Turrawan’ with tennis courts built behind the house. At the time, the doctor’s residence was the only building between Wagner and London Roads.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, having a surgery in their home was not uncommon for doctors. In fact, a number of small private hospitals were also run from houses. This was especially common for maternity cases.

Photo of gardens and the entrance to Turrawan at Clayfield. Photo credit: Shiftchange/Wikimedia Commons

Dr Halford lived at ‘Turrawan’ in 1906, though by 1915 he was also practising from 157 Wickham Terrace. It is thought that he lived and worked from ‘Turrawan’ until 1920 when the place was let to Alexander Murray on a five-year lease.

In 1922 the 1,500 seat Savoy Picture Theatre was constructed next to the house on Sandgate Road. After the death of Dr Halford in 1945, the owners of the theatre acquired the property.

Clayfield House Now

In 1960, the property was re-surveyed and subdivided into two blocks and an easement. BP Australia purchased Lot 1 and constructed a service station on the corner of Clayfield and London Roads. After it closed down in the early 1980s, the current garden nursery occupied the site.

Meanwhile, Rodney and Colleen Abbott purchased Lot 2 in 1984 and turned it into a boarding house. The current owner purchased the property in 1988 and since then it has provided supported accommodation facilities in the area.

Clayfield House is now one of the few surviving examples of Dods’ work. What was once a doctor’s home and place of work continues to touch many people’s lives as it provides a safe environment for people facing various challenges in life.

Clayfield Entrepreneur Steps Up With Innovative Product That Promotes Hygiene and Convenience

Under these “coronavirus times,” people are starting to get used to a new way of living in a world with a heightened focus on social distancing, personal hygiene, and increased health awareness. This “new normal” has literally opened new doors for enterprising businessman James Byrne and his product, “StepNPull.”

Riding on people’s desire to be more conscious about keeping their hands clean particularly in public places to avoid coronavirus transmission, the young entrepreneur saw a niche opportunity for “StepNPull,” a hands-free opener for swinging doors.

It eliminates cross-contamination risk by keeping people from touching germ-laden surfaces such as door handles in public restrooms, hospital doors, and similar high-traffic areas.

The “StepnPull” website describes the device as a “…foot-operated door opener that works on any latch-less commercial wood or metal door.” Using it is as easy as stepping down on the device with one foot and pulling it open.

The device currently sells for a retail price of $49. Originally developed in the United States, James Byrne has brought the product to Australia through a licensing agreement with his company, StepNPull Oceania, based in Clayfield.

Initial stocks of StepNPull have been imported from the United States. To better cater to local demand, Mr Byrne is setting up a production facility which is expected to be operational in Eagle Farm within 2020.

Once production and logistics have been established and optimised, StepNPull Oceania plans to distribute to Southeast Asia and South America, as well.

Easy to Install and Use

StepNPull is easy to install. Most concerns are addressed by the FAQ page on their website. The product also carries a 2-year warranty.

Among the enthusiastic users of StepNPull are the University of Queensland, McDonald’s Facebook, Energex, Rio Tinto, Crown Resorts, and BHP.

StepNPull users.
Photo Credit: https://www.stepnpull.com.au/

COVID-19 Precaution: All Brisbane Buses Sanitised Daily

Did you know that over 1,200 buses plying through Brisbane’s roads are sanitised everyday as part of coronavirus precautions set in place by Council?

Brisbane City Council has been amping up its COVID-19 safety precautions for its bus fleet. Clayfield residents habitually take the 306 to go around town.

Mr Schrinner said that the sterilisations take place at night at the bus depots. The Lord Mayor admits that this is a huge undertaking even under normal circumstances and the present public health situation warrants extra precautions.

“It’s important for the community to have confidence in public transport,” he said.

Services of public transports will continue as normal despite the outbreak. Earlier, Mr Schrinner had pushed for commuters to use Go Cards for bus fare payments and stop cash fares to protect the health and safety of the drivers.

The Lord Mayor said that lessening cash handling will reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. At present, passengers are not allowed to use the door nearest the driver when boarding.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said that bus operators must provide their staff with hand sanitisers and any necessary safety paraphernalia such as gloves. Mr Bailey also said that transport operations may change depending on directives from health advisers.

Locals are urged to check Brisbane City Council’s Coronavirus: Council Updates and Impacts page regularly for any changes.

For COVID-19 information, check the Department of Health’s official page or call the 24-hour hotline 1800 020 080.

Innovative Learning Precinct at St Rita’s College in Clayfield Unveiled

A new era of learning begins for St Rita’s College with the unveiling of its new state-of-the-art learning precinct, the largest build to occur at the school.

The $40-million Trinity Centre is a five-level specialist facility that will be home to the school’s music studios, rehearsal spaces, drama studios, film and television studios, a multipurpose theatre/hall, social space, and twelve general learning areas with associated breakout spaces.

“The Trinity Centre will be an important landmark in today’s modern and global educational landscape, bringing together and further enhancing many existing programs under one roof,” Principal Mrs Dale Morrow said.

“The classroom furniture, adaptable technology and all spaces in the precinct aim to provide a flexible, contemporary learning environment affording peer-to-peer collaboration and seamless technology.”

“The design also highlights the College’s proud heritage, employing the words NANO and RITA architecturally.”

Photo credit: St Rita’s College / stritas.qld.edu.au

The new precinct will enhance the students’ academic, arts and communal experience and provide a space for performances, examinations, speaker programs, and College-wide functions and events.

Some of the key elements of the Trinity Centre include an auditorium/multi-purpose space that can seat 400 people; 12 general learning spaces, each with 2 breakout areas and greater average classroom size; flexible learning furniture advocated by the latest educational theories; and a large general assessment area ability on all levels.

Trinity Centre also houses the musical instruction classrooms, drama/rehearsal classrooms, foyer/reception area, gallery area, box office, modern new pantry, and outdoor learning areas. St Rita’s College is also the first school in Australia to use the new technology software Utelogy.

College Business Manager, Mr Ed Gleeson with Principal, Mrs Dale Morrow, in the new Trinity Centre Auditorium
Photo credit: St Rita’s College / stritas.qld.edu.au

The fit out of the Centre received a funding boost via a “Giving Day” campaign launched in late 2019. Through the help of Lead Donors, some 400 members of the College community, and the Alumnae and Parents and Friends Association, the campaign raised over $400,000 for furniture, pianos, chairs, desks, whiteboards, bag racks and more.

The Official Opening and Blessing of the Trinity Centre is set to be held in March 2020.

Bring Home A Special Cat Or Kitten On National Pet Adoption Day In Clayfield

Open your loving home to rescued cats and kittens this National Pet Adoption Day, happening on the 15th of February 2020 at the PETstock store in Clayfield.

In celebration of the Pet Adoption Month this February, various PETstock stores and pet rescue organisations nationwide will be participating in the sixth annual National Pet Adoption Day (NPAD). This event is led by PETstock’s charity, PETstock Assist, and its leading not-for-profit organisation, PetRescue.

Included amongst the participating pet rescue organisations in Queensland is Clayfield’s Little Legs Dog & Cat Rescue Qld Inc. They have partnered with PETstock Clayfield in support of helping rescued animals find safe and loving homes through adoption or foster care.

Little Legs Dog & Cat Rescue Qld Inc is a small pet rescue organisation dedicated to rescue and rehome at-risk small dogs and cats from pounds or in need of private surrender.

National Pet Adoption Day

Last year’s NPAD campaign had a remarkable result of 1,000 rescued pets finding their loving new homes. But there is still more work to do as there are still 200,000 pets living unclaimed in Australian shelters and pounds across the country.

This 2020, PETstock hopes to outmatch last year’s adoption numbers and find even more healthy, happy pets forever homes.

Cats and Kittens Up for Adoption

Interested in adopting a pet? Head over to PETstock Clayfield on Saturday, February 15th 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to get some free hugs and cuddles from all rescued cats and kittens.

*Photo credit: Little Legs Dog & Cat Rescue Qld Inc/ Facebook*

All pets available for adoption have up-to-date vaccines, have been desexed and have undergone a full health assessment.

For more information about PETstock Clayfield’s National Pet Adoption Day, click here.

Latest All You Can Eat Chicken Wings Buffet Opens in Hendra

Why are chicken wings buffet growing in popularity in Brisbane? The latest chicken wings eatery to open on the north side is in Hendra. You can find Chook Wings & Beer at what used to be The Hamptons on Gerler Road.

Chook is the newest endeavour of the restauranteurs behind establishments like Asian Republic, Chai Thai, Chapter IV, Phat Boy, Phat Elephant. Offering an all-you-can-eat chicken wings buffet for just $21.90, this foodie spot could be your next go to place for quick, affordable and easily satisfying meals.

Chicken wings buffet offers so much versatility. A basket full of chicken wings can be an appetiser, a full meal or a snack. Unlike other dishes, this food comes in a variety of flavours and sauces, giving every order a unique taste. At Chook, you can actually pick from six flavours but the owners plan to change the choices regularly.

The buffet comes with choices of unlimited sides as well, like fries (waffle or shoestring), coleslaw, or fried rice. However, if you fancy other dishes than wings, Chook also offers sliders that perfectly pair with their extensive selection of beers and siders from James Squire, Corona and VB, to name a few.

As a newly-opened chicken wings buffet, Chook is still finding its footing. However, as it’s operated by reputable restauranteurs, you can expect good food that lives up to the hype.

Chook opens for dinner seven days a week. Phone for table bookings and orders +61 7 3268 4331.

“Delicious wings, burgers & fries. Even though they were busy we didn’t have to wait long for our takeaway. If you love wings this is the place for you!”
~ Rachael Creese, Facebook

“Best wings we’ve had for a while. Buffalo & sweet n sour for the win. We’re going again tonight, expecting the line to be down the street because it’s a Friday but it’s worth it.”
~ Jasmin Taylor, Google Reviews

Pablo’s Mexican Cantina in Clayfield Resumes Trading After Long Holiday Break

After three weeks on holiday break, Pablo’s Mexican Cantina in Clayfield is back to serve Mexican street food delights that “bring people together and make their bellies smile.” The outlandishly decorated restaurant on Sandgate Road isn’t hard to miss with its bright and colourful interiors, bringing the lively vibe of Mexico.

Elements of Latin American culture are all over Pablo’s Mexican Cantina with its cacti sculptures, figurines and wall decorations. Long, cushioned seats in vibrant colours and quirky prints provide a spacious seating area, where you can find several throw pillows with Frida Kahlo’s image.

*Photo Credit: Pablo’s Mexican Cantina/Google Maps*

If you’re looking for authenticity, the food at this restaurant is all about traditional goodness. The menu lineup consists of a variety of cheesy, limey and satisfying choices, such as nachos, burritos, chili con carne, soft tacos, enchiladas, sizzling fajitas, quesadillas and chimichangas made from locally-sourced ingredients.

This restaurant has a licensed bar as well, serving sangrias, mezcal, frozen margaritas, tequila and cerveza.

By the counter are several gift items, if you’re feeling generous and eager to spoil your friend with tokens like hand-painted ceramics, indigenous earrings or quirky pinatas. If you’re really into Mexican flavours, you can also buy bottles of hot chilli sauce and spice rubs for your meals at home.

Pablo’s Mexican Cantina trades daily, except Mondays, beginning at 5:00 p.m. On some days, they serve a Mexi Banquet menu during happy hour. For reservations and other inquiries about their food, phone 0738623531.

“YUM! Tasty and filling, without the greasy after-taste you sometimes get with Mexican dinner. The place has Really friendly staff and enjoyable decor, which is combined with a varied but not overdone menu that has something for everyone. Reasonable drinks menu options too, including unlimited sparkling water for a small fee. Great value. Absolutely worth a visit!”
~ Simone Lane, Google Reviews

“This place Pablo’s Mexican Cantina has soul and the best tasty freshly daily made food to tantalize your taste buds. Great value for food and great service such an amazing atmosphere! To top it up the restaurant is run and owned by a great and amazing talented chef Debbie. Love the food and everything about Cantina.”
~ Ada Daher, Facebook

“Finally, there is a decent Mexican restaurant in Brisbane! Amazing authentic food. Great customer service. I will certainly be back. Highly recommend.”
~ Loren Cunliffe, Zomato

U-Tong Thai Brings Authentic Vegan Thai Cuisine to Clayfield

Satisfy your tastebuds with flavourful vegan dishes at U-Tong Thai Vegan Restaurant in Clayfield.

Craving for some Pad Thai, Panang Curry, or Mango Sticky Rice? You can spice up your day with authentic Thai dishes at U-Tong Thai Vegan Restaurant.

This cosy Thai eatery located at Sandgate Road in Clayfield prides itself in offering flavourful and authentic Thai food and other popular Asian dishes such as Laksa Noodle Soup, Fried Spring Rolls, Steamed Dim Sum, Crispy Konnyaku Ball and more.

*Photo credit: U-Tong Thai Vegan Restaurant/ Facebook*

U-Tong also specialises in freshly prepared vegetable dishes and other plant-based stir fry and curry meals that will surely suit any vegan’s preference.

Apart from vegan dishes, there are plenty of gluten-free, MSG-free, garlic-free and onion-free options available on the menu.

Must-Try Dishes at U-Tong

Haven’t decided what to order? Here are our top picks from U-Tong that you might want to try on on your next visit.

U-Tong Bao

For the entree, enjoy this mouth-watering platter of 3 pcs of soft buns with barbecue roasted vegetable duck and pickled carrots. A bite at this soft bao will definitely set you up in the mood for more dishes to try on at U-Tong.

Vegan Pad Thai

Ordering a classic Pad Thai is always a good idea. Enjoy a plate of authentic and vegan stir-fried thin rice noodles with vegetables, tofu, and peanuts. This is definitely a dish you wouldn’t want to miss.

Thai Green Curry with Pumpkin

Treat your tastebuds with one of U-Tong’s special curry dishes, Thai Green Curry with Pumpkin. All curry dishes have a choice of veggies only, veggies and tofu, or veggies and plant-based meat.

Opening Hours

Monday	11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday- Sunday	11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

For more table reservation and food delivery, click here.