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 are proud to organise and foster these Awards with the main purpose being to unite, grow and promote the Bay of Plenty 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 4th August 2019.
For more information regarding the awards please visit https://hospitalityawards.co.nz/bay, Facebook @bayhospitalityawards and Instagram @bayhospitalityawards.
*The Bay Hospitality Awards do not cover Rotorua. This region has a dedicated awards which take place in 2020.
Clarence Bistro – Winner of Service Foods Outstanding Restaurant
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