Mount newcomer, ‘Solera’ and Clarence Bistro top the nominations
The Bay area’s hospitality industry is to be celebrated in the return of the Bay Hospitality Awards, an industry event aimed at highlighting the very best of the region.
Among the finalists named in this year’s Awards, is Solera, exclusively showcases small NZ wine producers.
Set up by husband and wife team Chloe Ashman and Nick Potts, the restaurant in a wine bar setting featuring an innovative is nominated for outstanding new establishment, front of house team, chef and restaurant.
Retro eatery and hotel Clarence Bistro is nominated for six awards including outstanding chef for Perrin Yates, outstanding restaurant and ambience and design for its eclectically cool and retro fused décor.
Italian and Kiwi couple Noel and Kim Cimadon brought Europe back with them when they returned to New Zealand. 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 had 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. Brought to you by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand with the support of lead sponsor Steve Bird Wines, the Awards provide a platform to encourage and support new and established industry leaders in the Bay area.
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 showcasing the rise of incredible dining spots outside of the 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 incredible 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 through the Hospitality Awards website (see below).
16 awards will be presented to the best of the Bay of Plenty hospitality industry. From crew members, to suppliers, to establishments – the best of the best will be celebrated for their contribution to creating a world-class hospitality scene in the region.
Voting is open until Sunday 26th June and the winners will be revealed at the awards evening on 3rd July at Trustpower Baypark. Tickets to the event are on sale now, to purchase or for more information regarding the awards please visit https://hospitalityawards.co.nz/bay/
Voting links are https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BayAwards22_Voting for industry and https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HBAwards22_PeoplesChoice people’s choice.
Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook page @bayhospitalityawardsand Instagram @bayhospitalityawards
Bay Hospitality Awards Finalists 2022
Anchor Outstanding Barista
- Dan Comber, Luca Coffee Shop
- James Walker, Special Mention
- Mel Osborne, Central Deli
- Reid Woolsey, Little Guy Bagel And Brew
Pernod Ricard Outstanding Bartender
- Eli Ormsby, Miss Gee’s Bar & Eatery
- Josh Monaghan, Master Kong
- Marco Rodocanachi, Bar Centrale
- Scott Hinton, Fife Lane
The Pos People Outstanding Front of House Team
- Alpino Mount Maunganui
- Clarence Bistro
- Lantern
- Solera Wine Bar
Service Foods Outstanding Chef
- Daniel Lockhart, Fife Lane
- Neil Sapitula, Solera Wine Bar
- Perrin Yates, Clarence Bistro
- Scott Rowand, Alpino Mount Maunganui
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Emerging Chef
- Dipesh Lama, Latitude 37
- Joe Hemming, Norris & Bell
- Rhys Mortimer, Fife Lane
- Thibaut Renault, Clarence Bistro
Springboard Emerging Front of House
- Charla Dougal, Fife Lane
- Chevez Foleni, Clarence Bistro
- Rei Yoshida, Tay Street Beach Cafe
- Taylor Allen, Avenue Squared
Menulog Outstanding Street Food/Takeout
- Avenue Squared
- Johney’s Dumpling House
- Palace Burgers
- Rice Rice Baby
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Bar
- Bar Centrale
- Miss Gee’s Bar & Eatery
- The Barrel Room
- The Freeport with Cleaver & Col
Mount Brewing Co. Outstanding New Establishment
- Avenue Squared
- Lantern
- picnicka
- Solera Wine Bar
Nova Energy Outstanding Regional Establishment
- Cadera — Mexican Bar and Restaurant
- Flatwhite Waihi Beach
- The Cider Factorie
- The Trading Post
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience and Design
- Alpino Mount Maunganui
- Clarence Bistro
- Fife Lane
- Miss Gee’s Bar & Eatery
Antipodes Water Outstanding Restaurant
- Clarence Bistro
- Fife Lane
- Harbourside
- Solera Wine Bar
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Supplier
- Bidfood Tauranga
- Gilmours Tauranga
- Kiwi-Larder
- Red + White Cellars
Flavours of Plenty Outstanding Producer
- Abundant Backyard
- Marama’s Mushrooms
- Mount Brewing Co.
- Te Puke Truffles