Rotorua’s hospitality industry has acknowledged the outstanding abilities of its own with the announcement of the 2017 winners in the city’s 6th annual hospitality awards.
Tried and true favourites were crowned winners alongside some new faces and places who are making a significant impact on dining options, from a record number of entries.
This year new categories were introduced to encompass all sectors of Rotorua’s hospitality sector.
“The Rotorua branch of the Restaurant Association is extremely proud of all the restaurants, cafe’s, bars and restaurants that make up our vibrant industry,”said President Sharon Wallace .
“The winners reflect the dynamic and diverse businesses that the Rotorua community has to choose from. The awards are a very important event for our local industry and all the hospitality owners and we would like to thank the sponsors that support our efforts and helped make these awards such a fantastic celebration.’
“All finalists have undergone a judging process to determine the winners, the results that came in were extremely close, showing the depth of talent that we have in Rotorua in our food and beverage offerings.”
Tributes, fond memories and raised glasses for industry icons were celebrated including a tribute dedicated to Joe Horvath, Joe’s Diner and Doug Tamaki, Tamaki Maori Village. Bruce Thomasen, past General Manager of Skyline Rotorua was also recognised for his expansive career in hospitality as the recipient of the Icon of Hospitality Award.
The winners were announced in front of a sell-out crowd of over 400 hospitality industry participants. With a full night of Moroccan flair, from theming to entertainment by local dance company Lakes Performing Arts, a menu inspired by Moroccan flavours, awards ceremony hosted by MC Kingi Biddle, music by international DJ duo Sweet Mix Kids and an inspiring presentation by world renowned Chef Michael Meredith, it was described as a night of celebration for all participants.
2017 Rotorua Hospitality Awards Winners:
- More FM Outstanding Barista – Andrew Phillips, Revolver Espresso
- Bidfood Rotorua Outstanding Café – Third Place Café
- Indian Star Emerging Business – Artisan Café
- Skyline Rotorua Outstanding Sales Representative – Nick Patel, Fenton Quality Produce
- Restaurant Association of New Zealand Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant – Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant
- Gilmours Tauranga Outstanding Takeout – Oppies Fish & Chips
- Simpy Pure Outstanding Bartender – Mayur Keluskar, Rydges Rotorua
- Monin Outstanding Bar – Brew Craft Beer Pub
- Menumate Point of Sale Outstanding Front of House Team – Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant
- Service IQ Emerging Chef – Binoy MB, Skyline Rotorua
- Ingham’s NZ Outstanding Chef – Alan Haslem, Regent of Rotorua
- OneMusic Outstanding Restaurant – Atticus Finch
- Events & Venues Rotorua Excellence in Event Hospitality – Crankworx Rotorua
- Rotorua Lakes Council People’s Choice – Ciccio Italian Café
- Tohu Wines Icon of Hospitality – Bruce Thomasen
