Thursday, February 24, 2011

Freestyle at West End Central reopens

Freestyle Tout West End Central Reopening!
After 7 long weeks out of action, Freestyle Tout West End Central will reopen with a bang TONIGHT (Friday Feb 25) at 6pm!

We wish to extend a BIG thank-you to everyone who has shown their support during this time. We are lucky enough to be a part of a great community. Check out the West End Central facebook page for information and upcoming events.

www.freestyletout.com.au

Freestyle Artists
Harriet Valckx-Jakins will be exhibiting at Freestyle Tout Emporium in March while Jane Burton (below) exhibits at Freestyle Tout West End Central.



Book Club
Book club on Wednesday March 2nd will be back to its home at Freestyle Tout West End Central. To book and prepay, please call 3262 3077.
This month's book is Girl by Sea by Penelope Green, a tale of love, life and food on an Italian island with delicious recipes to match.



Freestyle Escape
Brewbakers' artisan breadmaker Richard Cotton is hosting a History of Bread class at Freestyle Escape on Monday March 14. Learn the basics of bread baking and how to make starters and sourdough. A great class for all skill levels. The class runs from 9.30am-4.30pm and includes an unforgettable life experience, an apron, cowboy hat and lunch for $180 per person.



For bookings and enquiries please call 3262 3077 or for other classes check out our website.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

West End Central Week 7 Saga continues..

West End Central update
yes we got power on on fri afternoon,only to be told we cant trade till firebrigade clears and signs us off,
5 restaurant go hell for leather to get all prep done and stock delivered in readiness for possible tues opening
but alas that was not to be
On Monday night as you are all aware we had a doozy of a storm,and unfortunately for us our car park had sewerage enter again and our newly fixed switch board got wet
so dear reader we are back to square one!
we the traders are frustrated,devasted and gutted and so so worried.
how long are we going to have to wait this time...

Thursday, February 17, 2011

West End Central - can you help us??

Dear Reader,
On this occassion it is hard for me to write this blog:
I am one of a great bunch of incredibly proud restaurateurs of West End Central
at 220 Melbourne Street in West End consisting of Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, Greek, Spanish, Modern Australian, Dessert and soon Sushi.

As most of you are aware six weeks ago most of our tenancies went under water in the flood. What you might not realise is we have still not regained power and still remain closed and with that comes the stress of bank loans, mortgages, hardship of starting up all over again with no cashflow, along with the immense worry for our incredibly lovely, loyal staff who we are unable to supply work or an income (this is probably most upsetting as our staff are like family).

Unfortunately we do not have very sympathetic landlords or active Body Corporate/building managers and Government assistance for most small businesses affected by the floods have amounted to nothing.
Most of us still havent heard back from our insurance companies and grant applications and fear for the worse.

Unfortunately for most small businesses cashflow is paramount and in our case 6 weeks with no trade has crippled our businesses and we now have no cash reserves (and banks won't extend overdrafts).

So we seek your help...

Can you assist with:
- cleaning (heavy duty) our carpark; six weeks on it still stinks and looks like it did when the flood waters first receeded.
- helping repair roof leaks and repair consequent ceiling plaster damage.
- supplying paint or help with painting; as our building looks the worse for wear.
- re-gasing airconditioners and refrigerators.
- donating planter boxes and/or plants that will make us pretty again.
- legal advice for our insurance claims and our tenancy agreements and body corporate issues.

- are you a publication and can you help supply editorial or advertising.
- are you a Graphic Designer or Printer that can help supply promotional material.
- are you in PR and willing to adopt us and give us an identity.
- can you become our facebook friend and facebook us to all your friends as we individually re-open. Click here for West End Central facebook page.
-can your club adopt us for functions/events.
-are you a Uni student or Tafe student that can adopt us to become your special meeting place.

If our situation wasn't so dire we would not ask and we all thank you for your support.

If you can assist us please email us info@freestyletout.com.au or phone Martin on 07 3262 3077

Many thanks Dan Nancarrow from Brisbane Times re this article http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/six-weeks-in-the-dark-20110218-1azf3.html





Sunday, February 13, 2011

Jams, Relishes and Chutneys Class with Jamie Milverton

The Jams, Relishes and Chutneys class with Jamie Milverton was a hit. Guests made Gourmet Tomato Relish, Caramelised Red Onion Jam, Pineapple, Lime and Ginger Marmalade, Davidson Plum and Pear Chutney, Rhubarb and Fig Jam and Strawberry and Lillipilli Jam. Not only was this fun but it was an informative session with Jamie sharing lots of ideas and tricks of the trade.


Jamie Milverton, jam guru


Preparing the tomatoes for the Tomato Relish


Tomato Relish time


Ploughman's lunch with our fresh tomato relish




Strawberry and Lillipilli Jam


Pouring into the jars


Jamie explaining how to make the Rhubarb and Fig Jam


Preparation for the Rhubarb and Fig Jam


Jamie and Martin with the jams, relishes and chutneys

I cant wait for our next class which is bread making with Richard Cotton from Brewbakers...Yummo! www.freestyleescape.com.au/experience