The Christchurch hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of its own with the announcement of the winners at an awards ceremony held this evening.
City Bistro, Twenty Seven Steps had an incredible night, receiving accolades for its exceptional service, warm ambiance and classic menu. The restaurant took out awards for front of house team, emerging chef, outstanding chef and outstanding restaurant of the year.
Recognition also went out to newcomer Smokey T’ otherwise known as Tristan Anderson, for his pop up BBQ joint. Anderson gave up life as an executive chef at the Dux chain of restaurants just after the earthquake to focus on his unique brand of barbecuing and took out awards for breakthrough talent of the year and pop up establishment.
Creative new fitouts have also been a key feature of a new breed of hospitality establishments in the city, with Amazonita awarded for its outstanding ambience and design.
Individual dedication to the industry and craft were also recognised. Paul Howells at Twenty Seven Steps was awarded outstanding chef and James Quinn of Boo Radley’s voted as outstanding manager of the year.
The coveted Hospitality Hero of the Year was awarded to Michael Turner of Valentino for his dedication to the industry and contributing to the success of Christchurch hospitality.
“We’ve seen a real resurgence of the hospitality scene in Christchurch in the past year in particular,” said Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of New Zealand. “With more openings in the central city, there is a dedicated group of individuals committed to attracting diners back into the city again. These are a creative, community focused lot that recognise the role great hospitality establishments play in the rebuilding of their city.”
The winners were announced at an awards ceremony held at the Isaac Theatre Royal, guests the enjoyed the chance to catch up with their colleagues over a local offering of food and beverage and entertainment by Sweet Mix Kids.
2018 Christchurch Hospitality Awards Winners
Meadow Fresh Outstanding Barista of the Year – Devon Boyd, Black and White Coffee Cartel
Hellers Outstanding Café of the Year – Little Pom's
Jameson Outstanding Bartender of the Year – Gina Johns, The Last Word
Federal Merchants & Co Outstanding Bar of the Year – O.G.B.
ARA Institute of Canterbury Emerging Hospo Professional of the Year – Aydin Coskun, Red Light District
Menumate Outstanding Front of House Team of the Year – Twenty Seven Steps
GrabOne Outstanding Manager of the Year – James Quinn, Boo Radley's
Southern Hospitality Emerging Chef of the Year – Maki Matsumoto, Twenty Seven Steps
Burns & Ferrall Outstanding Chef of the Year – Paul Howells, Twenty Seven Steps
Eaton Drink Co Pop Up Establishment of the Year – Smokey T’s
iMonitor Outstanding New Establishment of the Year – 5th Street
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design – Amazonita
Crombie Lockwood Outstanding Central City Establishment of the Year – Craft Embassy
Eftpos NZ Outstanding Regional Establishment of the Year – Pegasus Bay Winery & Restaurant
Harrows Outstanding Restaurant of the Year – Twenty Seven Step
The Recruitment Network Outstanding Caterer of the Year – Eaton Drink Co
McCarthy Outstanding Sales Rep of the Year – Megan O'Neill, Hop and Vine
NZI Outstanding Supplier of the Year – Good Honest Product
First Table People’s Choice Establishment of the Year – Hello Sunday
Isaac Theatre Royal Hospo Hero of the Year – Michael Turner, Café Valentino
Trents Wholesale Supreme Crew Members of the Year – Twenty Seven Steps
Trents Wholesale Supreme Breakthrough Talent of the Year – Smokey T’s
Trents Wholesale Supreme Establishment of the Year – Pegasus Bay Winery & Restaurant
Trents Wholesale Supreme Supplier of the Year – Eato Drink Co
