The Bay of Plenty hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of its own with the announcement of the winners at an awards ceremony held last night.
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 is proud to organise and foster these Awards with the main purpose being to unite, grow and promote the Hawkes Bay hospitality industry.
Known for its plant-based cakes and desserts, Real Rad Food won the People’s Choice award. The recipient of this award is selected by the local dining public.
The Clarence Bistro took out three of the top accolades winning outstanding restaurant, ambience and design along with best chef for Ian Harrison.
A popular summer hangout, there is no shortage of great places to get a drink in the region.
Outstanding bar of the year went to The Rising Tide. A brewery, bar and restaurant all in one, with 30 different beers and ciders to choose from.
Outstanding cocktail experience went to Rye Bar and Grill. With its super fun curated list of eight cocktails, the bar has racked up a strong following of cocktail loving locals.
Mexican eatery and bar The Barrio Brothers, picked up two awards – outstanding front of house team went to the Tauranga restaurant whilst Katie Short of Mount Maunganui picked up the award for best bartender.
New establishment Izakai in Tauranga’s Bayfair Shopping Centre picks up best new establishment. Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of New Zealand says “With a growing population that swells in the summer months, the region’s hospitality establishments play an important role in entertaining and hosting guests.”
“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 Mills Reef Winer on Sunday August 4 2019.
*The Bay Hospitality Awards do not cover Rotorua. This region has a dedicated awards which take place in 2020.
Mills Reef Winery People’s Choice
- Real Rad Food
Meadow Fresh Outstanding Barista
- Sam Graham, Luca Café
Asahi Premium Beverages Outstanding Bartender
- Katie Short, The Barrio Brothers Mount Maunganui
Hospitality Management Systems Outstanding Front of House Team
- The Barrio Brothers Tauranga
Bidfood Tauranga Outstanding Chef
- Ian Harrison, Clarence Bistro
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Emerging Chef
- Joe Noon, Fish Face
Eftpos NZ Outstanding New Venue
- Izakai Bar and Eatery
Nourish Magazine Outstanding Café
- The General
Monin NZ Outstanding Cocktail Experience
- RYE Bar & Grill
Lion NZ Outstanding Bar
- The Rising Tide
Bidfood Tauranga Outstanding Casual Dining/Street Food
- Johney’s Dumpling House
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
- Clarence Bistro
Nova Energy Outstanding Suburban/Regional Experience
- Flatwhite Waihi Beach
Service Foods Outstanding Restaurant
- Clarence Bistro
The Recruitment Network Outstanding Caterer
- Handcrafted Food
Nib Health Insurance Outstanding Sales Rep
- Robbie Moore, Bidfood Tauranga
