The finalists for the 2017 Bay Hospitality Awards have been announced, with familiar faces, consistently good establishments and new talent vying for top spots.
Presented by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, the Bay Hospitality Awards recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals all making a positive impact on the local café and dining scene. A large number of nominations were received from the industry across 14 categories, recognising those who work hard to achieve excellence in hospitality.
This is the second year for local hospitality industry have celebrated and acknowledged the region’s hospitality stars via an industry-only voting system. Marisa Bidois, chief executive of the Restaurant Association said “To be selected by your peers as a leader in your category is a great honour”.
“The benefits of a peer recognition awards programme that celebrates dedication and excellence not only draws our industry closer, but also raises aspirations and performance in the region”.
The Bay Hospitality Awards has announced a new judging component for the Chef, Bartender and Barista categories. The refreshed format will see finalists showcasing their skills and expertise in a live competition and the results will accumulate to the total tally to determine the winner of each award.
Final Voting is now open to the industry, closing on Sunday, 29 October. The public can also have their say and vote for their favourite establishment via the Mills Reef Winery People’s Choice Award. This could be a bar, a cafe, or a restaurant, a place that the local community deems is the best because of the fabulous atmosphere, food, beverages or service. Online voting is open now for both industry and the public.
The winners will be announced at the awards evening, held at Mills Reef Winery on Sunday, 5 November.
2017 Bay Hospitality Awards Finalists |
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| Outstanding Barista Kalee Haakma, Thy Neighbour Coffee Bar Dan Comber, LUCA Taryn Jackson, Pronto Mount Maunganui |
Outstanding Café The General Heath St Love Rosie |
Lion Co Outstanding Bartender Alister Noon, The Rising Tide Katie Short, The Barrio Brothers Mount Maunganui Hamish Doyle, Astrolabe Brew Bar |
| Pernod Ricard Outstanding Bar Hide – Thirst & Hunger The Rising Tide Mount Brewing Co Bar |
Independent Liquor Outstanding Design/Ambience Maude Post Bank Restaurant & Bar Hide – Thirst & Hunger |
Moana NZ Emerging Talent – Front of House Aimee Channer, Rye American Kitchen & Spirits Jorgia Jenkins, Brooklyn Patio & Eatery Lisa Rooney, The Rising Tide |
| Menumate Point of Sale Outstanding Front of House Team Post Bank Restaurant & Bar The Barrio Brothers Tauranga Flatwhite Waihi Beach |
Federal Merchants & Co Outstanding New Venue Hide – Thirst & Hunger Heath St Papamoa Beach Tavern |
Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology Emerging Talent – Kitchen Walter Chang, Maude Madison Boyd, Fish Face Seafood & Wine Bar Tom Greene, Octopus’s Garden |
| Bidfood Tauranga Outstanding Chef Kate McKeller White, Fish Face Seafood & Wine Bar Ian Harrison, Rye American Kitchen & Spirits Matt Hay, Post Bank Restaurant & Bar |
Gilmours Tauranga Outstanding Restaurant Macau Bar Kitchen & Lounge Fish Face Seafood & Wine Bar Roquette Restaurant & Bar |
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Rep Andre Howe, Mt Brew Company Dan Shea, Mills Reef Winery Robbie Moore, Bidfood Tauranga |
| Bidfood Outstanding Caterer Good Things Kitchen Handcrafted Food The Whipped Baker |
Outstanding Street Food/Takeout Johney’s Dumpling House Tia’s Tacos Real Rad Food |
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