The finalists for the inaugural 2018 Queenstown Hospitality Awards have been announced, with familiar faces and consistently good establishments vying for top spots.
Presented by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand and lead partner Trents Wholesale, the Queenstown Hospitality Awards recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals all making a positive impact on the local hospitality scene.
“The number of nominations received was an endorsement that the industry welcomes the awards as a means to support and recognise each other and is a real tribute to the calibre of talent in Southern Lakes hospitality,” said Marisa Bidois, Chief Executive of Restaurant Association. “To be selected by your peers as a leader in your category is a great honour in itself”.
Winners will receive a coveted “Chevron” trophy, representing a stripe indicating rank or length of service. Winners will also be listed on the Eat New Zealand website, a movement dedicated to promoting New Zealand’s best food, drink and culinary destinations to the world.
Final voting via the website is now open to the industry, closing at midnight on Sunday, 20 May.
The public can also have their say and vote for their favourite establishment via the First Table People’s Choice Award. This will be awarded to an establishment that excels in customer service, consistency in food preparation and delivery, welcoming ambience and style, attention to detail and is always willing to go that extra mile. Online voting is also via the website for both industry and the public.
The winners will be announced at the awards evening, held at Skyline Queenstown on Monday, 28 May. Guests will be treated to a delectable selection of local produce, drinks and sweet sounds from international DJ duo Sweet Mix Kids.
Tickets to the event are on sale now, to purchase or for more information regarding the awards please visit www.hospitalityawards.co.nz\queenstown.
2018 Queenstown Hospitality Awards Finalists
Meadow Fresh Outstanding Barista of the Year
Angela Grant, The Hayes
Nat Payne, Joe's Garage
Rex Cook, Yonder
Hellers Café of the Year
Joe's Garage
The Chop Shop Food Merchants
Vudu Cafe & Larder
Yonder
Jameson Outstanding Bartender of the Year
Chris Litten, Reds Bar
Jack Wharton, Bardeaux
Sam Maxwell, La Rumbla
Glenfiddich Bar of the Year
Barmuda
Smiths Craft Beer House
The Sundeck
The World Bar
Antipodes Outstanding Waiter of the Year
Cassandra Maita, Botswana Butchery
Hayden Davison, Jervois Steak House
Jessica Patterson, La Rumbla
Menumate Outstanding Front of House Team of the Year
Blue Kanu
Botswana Butchery
Madame Woo
Slow Cuts
Burns & Ferrall Emerging Talent – Chef
Callum Symonds, Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan
Freda Zhang, Jervois Steak House
Karan Dhillon, Slow Cuts
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Chef of the Year
Jay Sherwood, La Rumbla
John Pickens, Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan
Vicky Wong, Botswana Butchery
Negociants Emerging Talent - Wine Service Professional
Jeremy Olsen, Botswana Butchery
Josh Black, Jervois Steak House
Kate Tothill, Slow Cuts
GrabOne Winery Restaurant of the Year
Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan
Amisfield
Gibbston Valley
OneMusic Outstanding Design & Ambience of the Year
Bazaar
Blue Kanu
Sherwood
Yonder
Crombie Lockwood Outstanding Central City Establishment of the Year
Bardeaux
The Bunker
Little Blackwood
Madame Woo
Harrows Restaurant of the Year
Blue Kanu
Botswana Butchery
La Rumbla
Rata
Loaded Reports Sales Rep of the Year
Graeme Smith, CoLab Wine Merchants
Karen Bisacre, Pernod Ricard
Jill Newton, Lion Co
McCarthy Specialty Supplier of the Year
Cardrona Distillery
Cocktail Merchant
Neat Meat
Raeward Fresh
NZI Goods & Services Wholesaler of the Year
Bidfood Queenstown
Centrepoint Liquor Supplies
Kaan's Catering Supplies
