Mr. Pickles Bar & Eatery receives supreme award | Alpino Cambridge wins outstanding restaurant of the year | ULO’s Kitchen takes out People’s Choice
The Waikato hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of its own with the announcement of the winners at the Waikato Hospitality Awards ceremony.
With the support of lead sponsor Gilmours these regional awards acknowledge the outstanding hospitality professionals, all of whom are making a positive impact on the local café, dining and drinking scene.
A touch of Italy in the heart of Cambridge, Alpino picks up the award for outstanding establishment of the year, while ULO’s Kitchen wins the hearts and stomachs of the locals winning the people’s choice vote.
Waikato diners looking for an exceptional dining experience can be assured of it this year with Mat McLean of Palate Restaurant awarded the accolade of outstanding chef.
From Clevedon buffalo products, to Canterbury lamb and Raglan mushrooms, Mat was recognised for his outstanding ability to work with local produce in seasonally inspired menus.
The River Kitchen picked up the award for outstanding café for its fresh white tongue ‘n groove interior, friendly staff and high quality produce.
Great service did not go unrecognised with Hayes Common taking out the outstanding front of house team award.
Those looking for a great place to get a drink also won’t be disappointed with the region’s top notch bars recognised.
Clem Weinzettl of Mr. Pickles Bar & Eatery took out the award for outstanding bartender while Wonder Horse won outstanding bar.
Those looking for the best place to get a coffee in the region should head to Sentinel Café, where barista Jasher Clayton won the award for outstanding barista.
Popular bar and eatery Mr Pickles received the supreme award. The supreme award is presented to an establishment who received the most nominations by their hospitality peers across all category awards.
Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois says, “This has been an incredibly challenging year for the industry but the local hospo community continue to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
The awards are an opportunity to recognise those providing an exceptional experience to the dining community and spread the word about the amazing places there are to drink and eat in the region.
For more information regarding the awards please visit https://hospitalityawards.co.nz/waikato, Facebook @waikatohospoawards or Instagram @waikatohospoawards.
Waikato Hospitality Awards Winners 2021
Meadow Fresh Outstanding Barista
Jasher Clayton, Sentinel Café
Pernod Ricard Outstanding Bartender
Clem Weinzettl, Mr. Pickles Bar & Eatery
Hospo Start Outstanding Front of House Team
Hayes Common
Bidfresh Outstanding Chef
Mat McLean, Palate Restaurant
Waikato Food Inc. Local Food Hero
Chrissy Houghton, Cream Eatery
Restaurant Association of NZ Emerging Chef
Chelsea Mendes, Thyme Square Restaurant
Burns & Ferrall Outstanding New Establishment
Cream Eatery
Menulog Outstanding Street Food/Takeout
Chilli House
Bidfood Outstanding Cafe
The River Kitchen
Waitoa Beer Outstanding Bar
Wonder Horse
OneMusic Ambience & Design
Sisterfields
Nova Energy Outstanding Regional Establishment
Punnet Eatery
dinefind Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant
Banh Mi Caphe
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Restaurant
Alpino Cambridge
Curiosity Gin Outstanding Sales Rep
Renee Kruger, Burns & Ferrall
Kerr & Ladbrook Outstanding Supplier
Bidfresh
Good George Outstanding Caterer
Kerr & Ladbrook Catering
People’s Choice
ULO’s Kitchen
Supreme Award
Mr. Pickles Bar & Eatery