2023 Northland Hospitality Awards
Russell’s Sage restaurant nominated for four awards
The finalists have been announced in the Northland Hospitality awards and represent the best dining establishments in the region as voted by the hospitality industry.
Situated at Paroa Bay Winery, destination dining experience Sage, noted for its fresh, local and seasonal products and some of the freshest and most revered offerings from the ocean, is nominated in the categories of outstanding restaurant, front of house team and outstanding chef and emerging chef.
Paroa Bay Winery will be going up against Aqua Restaurant & Bar, Charlotte’s Kitchen and Terra Restaurant who are also nominated for the outstanding restaurant award.
Whangarei bar and eatery, AstroBoy, takes out three nominations for outstanding ambience and design and outstanding bar as well as a nod for Sam Tarrant for outstanding bartender.
Whangarei’s Roost Restaurant and Bar also picks up three nominations including one for its back of house team with Maata Tehamingi Hau Pou a contender for the award of outstanding emerging chef.
Great cafes are not lacking in the region with Butterfish, Palate Wholesome Collective, Quail Café and Third Wheel Coffee Co. all receiving nominations in the category of outstanding cafe.
Those looking for the region’s best flat white are spoilt for choice with Jade Hennessy of Hello Pickle, Carl Vincent of Long Beach Coffee Cart, Brittany Cox of Nook Espresso and Tom Richardson of Third Wheel Coffee Co. all finalists in the category of outstanding barista.
Bar flys won’t be disappointed with the region’s growing assortment of top-notch bars recognised.
Astroboy, PhatHouse Brewing Co, The Butter Factory and Tipsy oyster receive nominations for the title of outstanding bar.
14 awards will be presented to the best of the Northland 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.
CEO Marisa Bidois says, “Te Tai Tokerau is home to some of Aotearoa’s best produce served up in a wide range of establishments from casual fish and chip shops to fine dining restaurants.
“With the cyclone and flooding, this region has had an incredibly challenging start to the year so it’s now even more important that we take time out to recognise those people who showcase our incredible produce and welcome us into their establishments. There are some outstanding finalists who are champions of the local hospo industry.”
The Northland community is also able to vote for its favourite establishment in the People’s Choice Award category.
Voting is open until Sunday 23 April at 5.00pm and the winners will be revealed on Sunday, 30 April.
Tickets to the event are on sale now, to purchase or for more information regarding the awards please visit https://hospitalityawards.co.nz/northland. Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Voting links are here for industry and here for People’s Choice.
Northland Hospitality Awards 2023 Finalists
DineFind Outstanding Barista
Carl Vincent, Long Beach Coffee Cart
Brittany Cox, Nook Espresso
Tom Richardson, Third Wheel Coffee Co.
Jade Hennessy, Hello Pickle
V Energy Outstanding Bartender
Sam Tarrant, Astroboy
Victoria Alexander, Bad Habits
Benjamin Thrippleton, Kindred Spirits
Dan Marsland, Split Bar & Restaurant
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Front of House Team
Hōne’s Garden
Quail Cafe
Roost Restaurant & Bar
Sage Restaurant
NorthTec Te Pukenga Emerging Chef
Maata Tehamingi Hau Pou, Roost Restaurant & Bar
Caitlin Rose Brown, Sage Restaurant
Guillaume Laurent, Sage Restaurant
Jess Berweger, The Cove, Waipu
Te Tupu Tahi Outstanding Chef
Daniel Fraser, Sage Restaurant
Dean Thompson, Schnappa Rock
Marcus Berndt, Terra Restaurant
Sam Blomfield, The Quay
Gilmours Outstanding Café
Butterfish
Palate Wholesome Collective
Quail Cafe
Third Wheel Coffee Co.
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Bar
Astroboy
PhatHouse Brewing Co.
The Butter Factory
Tipsy oyster
DineFind Outstanding Casual Dining/Street Food
Fat Boy BBQ
Mean’s Vietnamese Cafe
Rata’s Kitchen
Wingless Angel BBQ
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
Astroboy
Hōne’s Garden
No.8
Roost Restaurant & Bar
Whangarei District Council Outstanding Regional Establishment
Charlotte’s Kitchen
Marina Woodfired Dining
Omata Estate Vineyard & Kitchen
Parua Bay Tavern
Bidfood Outstanding Restaurant
Aqua Restaurant & Bar
Charlotte’s Kitchen
Sage Restaurant
Terra Restaurant
Restaurant Association Food & Beverage Producer
Apatu Aqua
Belle Chèvre Creamery
Black Collar Distillery
Fieldco Foods
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Supplier
Bidfood
Coffee Supreme
Eurovintage
Omak Meats