The finalists have been announced in the Wellington Hospitality Awards for 2016 at a well-attended event hosted by Cordon Bleu hospitality training school.
The Felix Awards has returned to the Wellington hospo scene this year to recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals in all areas of the hospitality industry. Presented by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand and a volunteer committee of proud hospitality professionals.
“It is important for the hospitality industry to recognise its champions as it provides not only a peer benchmark for excellence but also provides consumers valuable insights on the best places to visit,” said Marisa Bidois, Restaurant Association chief executive.
Winners will be announced at the end of October.
The fifteen category finalists are –
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Cafe
Nikau Café
Memphis Belle
Te Kouka Cafe
Restaurant Association Outstanding Barista
Duncan Reid – Customs Brew Bar
Natalie Gibson – Mojo
Rusiate Nadakuitavuki - PreFab
Red and White Cellar Outstanding Bar Experience
Hawthorne Lounge
Slim Davey’s
Noble Rot Wine Bar
Pernod Ricard Outstanding Bartender
Kneale Brown - Matterhorn
Peter Lowry - Hawthorn Lounge
Ray Letoa - CoCo at The Roxy
Sam Kopua - Boulcott Street Bistro
Restaurant Association Outstanding Waitperson
Chelsea Godinet - Shepherd Restaurant
Josh Pointon - Noble Rot Wine Bar
Sarah Bullock - The Larder
Collective Outstanding Maitre D'/FOH Manager
Sophie Garnham - Monsoon Poon
Maciej Zimny - Noble Rot Wine Bar
Davey McDonald - Slim Davey's
Gilmours Outstanding Chef
Shepherd Elliot - Shepherd Restaurant
Jacob Brown - The Larder
Amy Gillies - Salty Pidgin
L’affare Emerging Talent – Front of House
Nick Van Haarlem - Shepherd Restaurant
Sheyna Elley - St Johns Bar
Brooklyn Dineen - Scopa Caffe Cucina
LE CORDON BLEU - Emerging Talent - Kitchen
Geordie McLachlan - Charley Noble
Julian Pizer – Hummingbird
Dessie Murphy – Ortega Fish Shack
Restaurant Association Outstanding Sales Representative
Amy Alexander - Pernod Ricard
Casey Belsham - Red+White Cellar
Stephanie Reade - Mineral Wines
Restaurant Association Outstanding Supplier
OnTrays
Red+White Cellar
Cuba St Fruit Mart
Outstanding ‘Cheap Eats’ Experience
Burger Liquor
K C Cafe & Takeaway
Little Penang
ONEMUSIC Outstanding Suburban/Regional Experience
Café Polo
Salty Pidgin
The Larder
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Restaurant
Boulcott Street Bistro
Charley Noble
Ortega Fish Shack
Outstanding Hospitality Personality
Justin Mckenzie - C.G.R Merchant & Co.
Ruth Pretty – Ruth Pretty Catering
Stephen Morris – Avida
