Floriditas and Graze Wine Bar the cream of the crop while Mark Limacher is the recipient of the Supreme Individual Award
The Felix Wellington Hospitality Awards unveiled the exceptional talents within the local hospitality community as it revealed the winners on Sunday night.
The awards recognise the hospitality professionals, all of whom are making a positive impact on the local café and dining scene. The Restaurant Association of New Zealand, with the support of lead sponsor, Gilmours, is proud to organise and foster these awards with the main purpose being to unite, grow and promote the Wellington hospitality industry.
Graze Wine Bar, located in Kelburn, claims victory in the Supreme Establishment and Outstanding Restaurant categories, with its chef, Max Gordy, earning the distinguished title of Outstanding Chef.
Conceived by owners, chef Max Gordy hailing from Chicago and his partner Stina Persen, Graze Wine Bar has quickly gained a solid following for its array of ethically conscious dishes, crafted from locally sourced ingredients in New Zealand.
Popular all-day dining establishment Floriditas, secures three awards including Outstanding Café. Additionally, Joshua Cruzat receives the Emerging Chef award, and Jessica Menzies earns recognition as the Outstanding Barista.
Renowned for its fresh Mediterranean-inspired cuisine served on Taranaki St, Wellington, August Eatery won the heart of the local dining public clinching the People’s Choice Award.
Owner Lisa Lee alongside her business partner Tanase Antipas, launched August Eatery just before a level four snap lockdown in 2021. However, despite the challenging circumstances, the establishment has since garnered substantial acclaim and recognition.
Renowned chef Mark Limacher has left a lasting impression on numerous restaurant kitchens in and around Wellington and rightfully earns the title of Gilmours Supreme Individual. Starting his culinary journey in the 1970s by preparing meals for politicians, Limacher has continuously evolved the culinary landscape of Majoribanks St, establishing three restaurants over the years. His latest venture, Ortega Fish Shack, has become a Wellington favourite earning multiple awards and nominations.
Hawthorn Lounge, an intimate speakeasy, secures two awards: Lucia Freiberg is recognised for Emerging Front of House, and the establishment itself gains the accolade for Outstanding Bar.
Those looking for a place to get a well-served beverage can rest assured there is no shortage of great places to get a drink in the region.
Outstanding Bartender of the year went to Jevon Sula of Ascot while Outstanding Cocktail Experience went to Crumpet.
Tucked away on Manners Street, Crumpet exudes an air of quaint charm, blurring the lines between café and bar, with an ambiance of bygone times.
Wellington’s craft beer haven, Little Beer Quarter won the award for Outstanding Beer Experience while Noble Rot clinched the award for Outstanding Wine Experience.
Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of New Zealand says “Wellington’s dining scene is a blend of culinary innovation, sustainable practices, stunning waterfront dining, a vibrant coffee culture and a genuine love for good food. These elements combined with a welcoming atmosphere make it a destination that truly stands out on the culinary map.
“By recognising the hard work and dedication of passionate hospitality professionals, these awards can help to promote the local dining scene and inspire and motivate others in the industry to strive for excellence.”
The winners were announced at an awards ceremony on Sunday 10th September 2023 at Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre.
For more information regarding the awards please visit https://hospitalityawards.co.nz/wellington/ . Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
ENDS
Felix Wellington Hospitality Awards 2023 Winners
Gilmours Supreme Establishment
Graze Wine Bar
Gilmours Supreme Individual
Mark Limacher
The Breeze Peoples’ Choice
August Eatery
Lumina Lamb Outstanding Restaurant
Graze Wine Bar
Bidfood Outstanding Café
Floriditas
Grey Goose Outstanding Bar
Hawthorn Lounge
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Street Food/Takeout
Fred’s Sandwiches
Nova Energy Outstanding Regional Establishment
50-50
The Spirit School Outstanding Cocktail Experience
Crumpet
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
Astoria
BCE Catering Equipment Outstanding Caterer
Food Envy
Southern Hospitality Emerging Chef
Joshua Cruzat, Floriditas
Anchor Food Professionals Outstanding Chef
Max Gordy, Graze Wine Bar
Altos Tequila Outstanding Bartender
Jevon Sula, Ascot
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Sales Rep
Devendra Patel, Capital Produce
L’affare Outstanding Barista
Jessica Menzies, Floriditas
Dinefind Emerging Front of House
Lucia Freiberg, Hawthorn Lounge
Coca Cola Europacific Partners Outstanding Beer Experience
Little Beer Quarter
Negociants Outstanding Wine Experience
Noble Rot
Antipodes Water Outstanding Front Of House
Ortega Fish Shack
American Express Outstanding Supplier
Regional Wines