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Taranaki Hospitality Awards acknowledge excellence in the region

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Social Kitchen picks up three awards while Deluxe Diner takes out People’s Choice

The Taranaki hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of its own with the announcement of the winners at the Taranaki Hospitality Awards ceremony held last night.

Presented by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand and lead partners Lexis Comply Hub, the awards affectionately known as “The Halamoanas” acknowledge the outstanding hospitality professionals, all of whom are making a positive impact on the local café and dining scene.

Social Kitchen took away the titles for outstanding restaurant, outstanding ambience and design and chef Seamus Fawkner was named emerging chef.

CHARLOTTE CURD/FAIRFAX Social Kitchen took away the titles for outstanding restaurant, outstanding ambience and design and chef Seamus Fawkner was named emerging chef.

Popular restaurant The Social Kitchen situated in the former Salvation Army citadel wins three awards for outstanding restaurant, ambience and design as well as recognition for Seamus Fawkner in the emerging chef category.

Robert Isbister of Meat & Liquor Steakhouse took top honours winning the outstanding chef award.

Ngapera Hohaia-Aiton of Arborio wins the award for outstanding waiter/waitress. Situated within the Puke Ariki museum on St Aubyn Street, the restaurant is as notable for its stunning architecture and outstanding sea views as it is for its excellent service.

Great cafes are not lacking in the region with The Federal Store winning the award for outstanding café and Antony Manjali of Escape Coffee recognised as the region’s outstanding barista.

Those looking for a place to get a great drink also won’t be disappointed with the region’s growing assortment of top-notch bars recognised.

Kerry Simeon of Crowded House wins the award for outstanding bartender, Shining Peak Brewing as the region’s outstanding bar and Snug Lounge for outstanding boutique bar.

Deluxe Diner was named people's choice.

CHARLOTTE CURD Deluxe Diner was named people’s choice.

The Taranaki community also voted for its favourite establishment in the People’s Choice Award category, with Deluxe Diner recognised as the locals’ favourite.

CEO Marisa Bidois says, “Named by the Lonely Planet as one of the best regions to visit, we’ve seen a real resurgence of the hospitality scene in Taranaki. With a swathe of openings in the past year, there is a new creative energy amongst the hospitality crowd which is reinvigorating the dining scene. 

“As an industry it’s so important that we take time out to celebrate our success and acknowledge our achievements.”

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony attended held at the TSB Showplace on Monday 21st October 2019.

Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook and Instagram pages @taranakihospitalityawards.

The Taranaki Hospitality Awards Winners 2019

Antipodes Outstanding Barista
Antony Manjali, Escape Coffee

V Pure NZ Outstanding Bartender
Kerry Simeon, Crowded House

PIHMS Outstanding Waiter/Waitress
Ngapera Hohaia-Aiton, Arborio

WITT Emerging Chef
Seamus Fawkner, Social Kitchen

Gilmours Central Outstanding Chef
Robert Isbister, Meat & Liquor Steakhouse

Bidfood New Plymouth Outstanding Café
The Federal Store

Asahi Beverages Outstanding Bar
Shining Peak Brewing

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Boutique Bar
Snug Lounge

BCE Catering Equipment NZ Outstanding Street Food/Casual Dining
Gamma Rays

OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
Social Kitchen

Nova Energy Outstanding Suburban/Regional Establishment
Treehouse Bar & Bistro

Eftpos NZ Outstanding Restaurant
Social Kitchen

Maurice Trapp Outstanding Sales Rep
Debra Davis – Gilmours Central

KDJ Catering Outstanding Supplier
Bidfood New Plymouth

Mediaworks Taranaki People’s Choice
Deluxe Diner

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