Retro eatery and hotel, Clarence Bistro has been nominated in six categories of the Restaurant Association’s Bay of Plenty regional hospitality awards.
The nominations include Outstanding Chef for Perrin Yates and Outstanding restaurant, ambience and design, for its eclectically cool and retro fused décor.
Also among the finalists named in this year’s awards, is Solera, a venue which exclusively showcases small New Zealand wine producers.
Established by husband-and-wife team, Chloe Ashman and Nick Potts, the ‘restaurant in a wine bar setting’ features an innovative sharing menu and is nominated for Outstanding New Establishment; Front of House team, Chef and Restaurant.
Clarence Bistro’s Italian and Kiwi couple, Noel and Kim Cimadon brought their European experience back with them and Kim put her decades of experience in fashion and design into the décor, while Noel brought his Italian passion for food and wine, along with the fine dining management experience he gained throughout Europe.
The powerhouse hospitality couple also own Alpino, nominated for three awards including outstanding chef, ambience and design and front of house team.
The Bay Hospitality Awards celebrate and promote the region’s food and beverage offerings, recognising the champions who deliver the flavours, experiences and gastronomic wonders bringing visitors from near and far to the region.
Awards are given in 16 categories, providing recognition for individuals – both industry experts as well as emerging talent – and establishments of all kinds.
The region has had its fair share of new establishments in the last two years inspiring the Best Regional Establishment category showcasing the rise of dining spots outside of main centres.
Among the nominees are Mexican Bar and Restaurant, Cadera on Ohope Beach and Waihi local favourite Flatwhite Café. Great hospitality venues are nothing without the producers who supply them. To celebrate the produce of the region is the Outstanding Producer Award, with Abundant Backyard, Marama’s Mushrooms, Mount Brewing Co. and Te Puke Truffles all nominated as finalists.
Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois says that as hospitality starts its recovery from several challenging years, it is encouraging to see long established attractions joined by new and emerging venues. “The Bay of Plenty is a popular destination for domestic tourists and a drawcard for our returning international visitors thanks to its incredible coastline and backed up by the outstanding experiences created by all the entrants in this year’s awards.
“The awards give us a great opportunity to celebrate their successes and give people a reason to go out and sample them.”
In addition to the judged entries in 15 categories, Bidois says the Bay of Plenty
community is invited to vote for their favourite establishment in The Hit’s People’s Choice Award category.
Voting is open until Sunday 26th June and the winners will be revealed at the awards evening on 3rd July at Trustpower Baypark. For more information regarding the awards please visit – https://hospitalityawards.co.nz/bay/
