The Bay hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of their own with the announcement of the winners at a glittering gala dinner held at Mills Reef Winery.
The Awards recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals all making a positive impact on the local café and dining scene. The Restaurant Association of NZ organises and fosters these awards with the main purpose being to unite, grow and promote Bay of Plenty’s vibrant hospitality industry.
Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of NZ said: “At the Restaurant Association we think it’s important to celebrate one another in the hospitality industry. Our work is physical and demanding and there are limited opportunities to come together to support each other. The Bay Hospitality Awards represent the occasion to do just that – celebrate the hard work and success of the hospitality industry within the Bay of Plenty region. Congratulations to all winners.”
With all categories keenly contested, Kate McKeller of White of Fish Face Seafood & Wine Bar took top honours winning the Outstanding Chef award, with Hide – Thirst & Hunger picking up the Outstanding New Venue and Outstanding Design & Ambience awards. The General won in the Outstanding Cafe category, with The Rising Tide picking up the Outstanding Bar honour, and in-house popular local street-food vendors Johney’s Dumpling House was named Outstanding Street Food/Takeout for a second year in a row.
The Barrio Brothers in Tauranga were awarded the Outstanding Front of House Team honour and the coveted People’s Choice Award, and Macau proved they have all the ingredients to be named Outstanding Restaurant.
The Bay Hospitality Awards were established in 2016 to celebrate the Bay of Plenty region’s culinary talent, great venues and passionate people and will be back in 2019.
For more information regarding the awards please visit www.bayhospitalityawards.co.nz.
