Twenty Seven Steps is the cream of the crop with five awards
The Christchurch hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of its own with the announcement of the winners at an awards ceremony held this evening.
City Bistro, Twenty Seven Steps had an incredible night, receiving accolades for its exceptional service, warm ambiance and classic menu. The restaurant took out awards for front of house team, emerging chef, outstanding chef and outstanding restaurant 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 are proud to organise and foster these Awards with the main purpose being to unite, grow and promote the Christchurch hospitality industry.
Bastion of the local community, Hello Sunday received the coveted people’s choice award for establishment of the year.
Housed in an 18th century post office building, the café has become known for its great coffee and day time menu serving as a connection point for the Sydenham community.
Recognition also went out to newcomer Smokey T’s otherwise known as Tristan Anderson, for his pop up BBQ joint. Anderson gave up life as an executive chef at the Dux chain of restaurants just after the earthquake to focus on his unique brand of barbecuing and took out awards for breakthrough talent of the year and pop up establishment.
Creative new fitouts have also been a key feature of a new breed of hospitality establishments in the city, with Amazonita awarded for its outstanding ambience and design.
Individual dedication to the industry and craft were also recognised. Paul Howells at Twenty Seven Steps was awarded outstanding chef and James Quinn of Boo Radley’s voted as outstanding manager of the year.
The coveted Hospitality Hero of the Year was awarded to Michael Turner of Valentino for his dedication to the industry and contributing to the success of Christchurch hospitality.
Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of New Zealand says
“We’ve seen a real resurgence of the hospitality scene in Christchurch in the past year in particular. With more openings in the central city, there is a dedicated group of individuals committed to attracting diners back into the city again. These are a creative, community focused lot that recognise the role great hospitality establishments play in the rebuilding of their city.”
“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 Christchurch 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 Isaac Theatre Royal, guests the enjoyed the chance to catch up with their colleagues over a local offering of food and beverage and entertainment by Sweet Mix Kids.
For more information regarding the awards please visit hospitalityawards.co.nz/christchurch. Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook page @christchurchhospitalityawards and Instagram @christchurchhospitalityawards.
2018 Christchurch Hospitality Awards Winners
Meadow Fresh Outstanding Barista of the Year
Devon Boyd, Black and White Coffee Cartel
Hellers Outstanding Café of the Year
Little Pom’s
Jameson Outstanding Bartender of the Year
Gina Johns, The Last Word
Federal Merchants & Co Outstanding Bar of the Year
O.G.B.
ARA Institute of Canterbury Emerging Hospo Professional of the Year
Aydin Coskun, Red Light District
Menumate Outstanding Front of House Team of the Year
Twenty Seven Steps
GrabOne Outstanding Manager of the Year
James Quinn, Boo Radley’s Food & Liquor
Southern Hospitality Emerging Chef of the Year
Maki Matsumoto, Twenty Seven
Burns & Ferrall Outstanding Chef of the Year
Paul Howells, Twenty Seven Steps
Eaton Drink Co Pop Up Establishment of the Year
Smokey T’s
iMonitor Outstanding New Establishment of the Year
5th Street
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
Amazonita
Crombie Lockwood Outstanding Central City Establishment of the Year
Craft Embassy
Eftpos NZ Outstanding Regional Establishment of the Year
Pegasus Bay Winery & Restaurant
Harrows Outstanding Restaurant of the Year
Twenty Seven Steps
The Recruitment Network Outstanding Caterer of the Year
Eaton Drink Co
McCarthy Outstanding Sales Rep of the Year
Megan O’Neill, Hop and Vine
NZI Outstanding Supplier of the Year
Good Honest Products
First Table People’s Choice Establishment of the Year
Hello Sunday
Isaac Theatre Royal Hospo Hero of the Year
Michael Turner, Café Valentino
Trents Wholesale Supreme Crew Members of the Year
Twenty Seven Steps
Trents Wholesale Supreme Breakthrough Talent of the Year
Smokey T’s
Trents Wholesale Supreme Establishment of the Year
Pegasus Bay Winery & Restaurant
Trents Wholesale Supreme Supplier of the Year
Eaton Drink Co