The Queenstown hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of its own with the announcement of the winners at an awards ceremony held on April 28.
Teppan and sake bar Tanoshi took out two of the top accolades winning outstanding city centre bar and the people’s choice award for outstanding establishment.
The awards recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals, all of whom are making a positive impact on the local café and dining scene. The Restaurant Association of New Zealand are proud to organise and foster these Awards with the main purpose being to unite, grow and promote the Queenstown hospitality industry.
Nestled on the hill less overlooking the bay and the Remarkables, Bespoke Kitchen took out the award for best local café with a carefully crafted menu that is focused on organic and raw ingredients.
Bar accolades went to rooftop bar The Sundeck who went home with awards for outstanding bar as well as best bartender and supreme crewmember awards for William Prior.
Known for its cocktails, tapas menu and live music with a view, Sundeck was recognised for providing exceptional service and Mediterranean hospitality with stunning views.
Recognition for the city’s top and emerging chefs went to John Pickens, Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan and Karan Dhillon of Slow Cuts respectively.
Creative new fitouts have also been a key feature of a new breed of hospitality establishments in the city, with White and Wongs awarded for its outstanding ambience and design.
Dedication to exceptional service was also recognised with La Rumbla taking out best front of house team and Elisa Bellei of Botswana Butchery receiving the best waiter accolade.
Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of New Zealand says “Queenstown is now a force to be reckoned with when it comes to dining out offering exceptional experiences in some of the world’s most stunning settings.
“As an industry it’s so important that we take time out to celebrate our success and acknowledge our achievements. We believe it’s important to shine a light on our industry and make sure we are recognised for the contribution we make to our community and economy.
With all categories keenly contested, this year’s winners truly exemplify what it means to be at the top of their respective categories.”
The winners were announced at an awards ceremony held at the Skyline in Queenstown.
2019 Queenstown Hospitality Awards Winners
Meadow FreshOutstanding Barista – Madeleine Strӧmbäck, Joe’s Garage
Hellers Outstanding Café – Bespoke Kitchen
Cardrona Distillery Outstanding Bartender – William Prior, The Sundeck
Asahi Outstanding Bar – The Sundeck
Kono Wines Outstanding Waiter – Elisa Bellei, Botswana Butchery
Office Max Outstanding Front of House Team – La Rumbla
Bidfood Queenstown & Silere Merino Lamb Emerging Chef – Karan Dhillon, Slow Cuts
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Chef – John Pickens, Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan Negociants
Emerging Wine Service Professional – Anna Krykunivsky, The Grille by Eichardt’s
Nova Energy Outstanding Winery Restaurant – Amisfield Bistro
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design – White + Wong’s Queenstown
Crombie Lockwood Outstanding Central City Establishment – Tanoshi Queenstown
Eftpos NZ Outstanding Restaurant – Botswana Butchery
Skyline Queenstown Outstanding Sales Rep – Karen Bisacre, Pernod Ricard
McCarthy Outstanding Beverage Supplier – Cardrona Distillery
NZI Outstanding Supplier – Bidfood Queenstown
First Table People’s Choice Outstanding Establishment – Tanoshi Queenstown
Trents Wholesale Supreme Crew Member – William Prior, The Sundeck
Trents Wholesale Supreme Emerging Talent – Karan Dhillon, Slow Cuts
Trents Wholesale Supreme Establishment – Amisfield Bistro
Trents Wholesale Supreme Supplier – Cardrona Distillery
