New kid on the block ‘Rita’ is the name on everyone’s lips
Meghan and Harry may want to re-plan their upcoming Wellington trip to take in some of the winners in Wellington’s 2018 Hospitality awards.
The Wellington hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of its own with the announcement of the winners at an awards ceremony held on the evening of Sunday, 21 October.
Newcomer Rita which seats just 28 people took out the public vote for Establishment of the Year as well as winning accolades for Outstanding New Establishment and Suburban/Regional Experience of the Year.
Rita has been recognised for its small set menu and intimate dining experience which has been compared to dining in a doll’s house.
Rita, First Table People’s Choice Establishment of the Year
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 is proud to organise and foster these Awards with the main purpose being to unite, grow and promote the Wellington hospitality industry.
Seafood restaurant Ortega Fish Shack took out Outstanding Restaurant of the Year with its fresh seafood menu served in an intimate and convivial setting. It’s commitment to making you feel right at home also did not go unnoticed with the restaurant winning Outstanding Front of House team.
Recognition also went out to street food vendor Lucky who won Casual Dining/Street Food Experience of the Year. Describing itself as ‘a hole-in-the-wall takeaway joint specialising in the Fryerlated Arts’ this place has won serious cred for its simple menu of just five burgers, fried chicken and chips with gravy.
Creative new fitouts have also been a key feature of a new breed of hospitality establishments in the city, with Lulu awarded for its outstanding ambience and design for its pacific theme.
Individual dedication to the industry and craft were also recognised. Tom Hutchison of Capitol Restaurant was awarded outstanding chef and Outstanding Barista of the Year went to Morgan West of Milk Crate.
The coveted Hospitality Hero of the Year was awarded to Stephen Morris of Avida Bar for his wealth of international wine experience, dry wit and contribution to the success of Wellington hospitality. Stephen’s hospitality career has included the legendary Boulcott Street Bistro, Shed 5 and his own Copita restaurant.
Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of New Zealand says
“Wellington has always been a hotbed of talent when it comes to dining out. It’s been great to see new places offering something unique cropping up over the last year but it’s also reassuring to see some of the more established establishments still going strong.”
“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. The Wellington Hospitality Awards represent the occasion to do just that – celebrate the hard work and success of the hospitality industry within the region. Congratulations to all winners.”
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 the Embassy Theatre with the party held at the Harbourside Function Centre and guests enjoyed the chance to catch up with their colleagues over a local offering of food and beverage and entertainment by local jazz band The Wellington City Shake ‘em on Downers, and international DJ duo Sweet Mix Kids.
L’affare Outstanding Barista of the Year
Morgan West, Milk Crate
Jameson Outstanding Bartender of the Year
Benji Irvine, Hanging Ditch
Burns & Ferrall Emerging Front of House
Georgia Mackenzie, Poquito Bar
Helping Hands Outstanding Front of House Team of the Year
Ortega Fish Shack & Bar
Moet Hennessy Outstanding Maitre d of the Year
Chelsea Godinet, Shepherd
Le Cordon Bleu Emerging Chef
Tom Millot, Frenchie
Gilmours Outstanding Chef of the Year
Tom Hutchison, Capitol Restaurant
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Café of the Year
Prefab Eatery
Garage Project Outstanding Beer Experience of the Year
Little Beer Quarter
Negociants Outstanding Wine Experience of the Year
Noble Rot Wine Bar
Federal Merchants & Co Outstanding Cocktail Experience of the Year
Hawthorn Lounge
Service Foods Outstanding Casual Dining/Street Food Experience of the Year
Lucky
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design of the Year
Lulu Bar
BCE Catering Equipment Outstanding New Establishment of the Year
Rita
Nova Energy Outstanding Suburban/Regional Experience of the Year
Rita
Red + White Cellar Outstanding Restaurant of the Year
Ortega Fish Shack & Bar
The Recruitment Network Outstanding Caterer of the Year
The Catering Studio
Harbourside Function Venue Outstanding Sales Rep of the Year
Stephanie Reade, Mineral Wines
Crombie Lockwood Insurance Brokers Outstanding Supplier of the Year
Moore Wilson’s
iMonitor Outstanding Hospitality Professional of the Year
Stephen Morris, Avida Bar
First Table People’s Choice Establishment of the Year
Rita