Atticus Finch the cream of the crop…

The Rotorua hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of its own with the announcement of the winners in the Rotorua Hospitality Awards on Sunday night.

Presented by the Restaurant Association, with the support of lead sponsor, Rotorua NZ, the awards recognise the 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 local hospitality industry.

Eat Street restaurant Atticus Finch took out three awards including the supreme establishment award for its mod vibe and sidewalk seating offering eclectic local mains and nibbles.

Atticus Finch’s Nicky Westbrook also took home the award for outstanding barista. The restaurant’s fit out was also recognised with a win for outstanding ambience and design.

Asian fusion restaurant White Tiger Restaurant & Bar was the clear local’s favourite winning the people’s choice award.

Urbano recently celebrated 16 years of operation and has won the award for outstanding restaurant. Smart casual café by day and informal bistro restaurant by night, Urbano has won multiple awards for its our innovative and contemporary cuisine, paired with unrivalled service. Urbano Bistro owners Richard & Julie Sewell were also recognised for their significant contribution to the local hospitality industry, jointly taking home the icon of hospitality award.

Inspired by the tapas cuisine of Spain, and already making a name for itself in Rotorua, Poco Tapas and Wine has been awards the outstanding new establishment. Outstanding chef went to William Foote of The Mains Restaurant – on the point for his signature fine dining using premium local ingredients.

Those looking for a place to get a well-served beverage can rest assured there is no shortage of great places in the region.

Outstanding bar of the year went to popular central Rotorua establishment BREW, whilst Teina Cassidy of Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar took out the best bartender accolade. 

Those looking for the region’s best brunch should head to Cafe Dynasti who took home the award for outstanding café.

Lovers of casual dining should seek out El Mexicano Zapata Cantina which was awarded outstanding street food/casual dining.

Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of New Zealand says “From lake side restaurants with panoramic views, to Eat Street bars and cafes, there is no shortage of exceptional dining options in Rotorua.  It’s great to see tourism returning to the region and the awards are a great way to bring attention to the unforgettable dining experiences it has to offer.

“With each category hotly contested, it’s very exciting to see new talent emerge and make their mark. It’s important to recognise and support these individuals as they continue to develop. The fact that there were so many deserving nominees is a positive sign for the future of the hospitality industry in the region.”

For more information regarding the awards please visit https://hospitalityawards.co.nz/rotorua, Facebook @rotoruahospitalityawards or Instagram @rotoruahospitalityawards

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Rotorua Hospitality Awards Committee Icon of Hospitality: Richard & Julie Sewell, Urbano Bistro

RotoruaNZ Supreme Award – Establishment: Atticus Finch

The Breeze Outstanding People’s Choice: White Tiger Restaurant and Bar

Activities and Events Unlimited Outstanding Barista: Nicky Westbrook, Atticus Finch

Atticus Finch Outstanding Bartender: Teina Cassidy, Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar

Tevalis Outstanding Front of House Team: The Fainting Goat

Gilmours Outstanding Chef: William Foote, The Mains Restaurant – On The Point

Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (Toi Ohomai Business Division) Emerging Chef: Ethan Barnett, Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar

Rotorua Events & Venues Outstanding Street Food/Takeout: El Mexicano Zapata Cantina (Tutanekai St)

Indian Star Restaurant Outstanding Bar: BREW | Craft Beer Pub

Nova Energy Outstanding New Establishment: Poco Tapas & Wine

OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design: Atticus Finch

Southern Hospitality Outstanding Restaurant: Urbano

Sudima Lake Rotorua Outstanding Sales Rep: Sara Schneller, Bidfood Rotorua

Restaurant Association Outstanding Supplier: Rotorua Fresh

The Rotorua hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of their own with the announcement of the winners at a gala dinner held at the Energy Events Centre.

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 Rotorua hospitality industry.

 

Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of New Zealand says

“At the Restaurant Association, we believe it’s important to celebrate one another in the hospitality industry. Our work is demanding and there are limited opportunities to come together to support each other. The Rotorua 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.

Phil Elliot from Atticus Finch took top honours winning the Outstanding Chef award, and aspiring chef Bethany-May Allen from Peppers on the Point – Lake Rotorua was awarded Emerging Chef. The team at Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar – Skyline Rotorua took out the Outstanding Front of House Team honour, and Regent of Rotorua proved they have all the ingredients to be named Outstanding Restaurant.

Third Place Café was presented Outstanding Café for a second year running, with Outstanding Barista honours going to Grace Choi, McDonalds Fenton Street.

Urbano Bistro was awarded Outstanding Design & Ambience with Indian Star Restaurant picking up top honours for Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant.  Shaye Honeycombe, Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar awarded Outstanding Bartender and Brew Craft Beer Pub was named Outstanding Bar.

After an impressive 8,500 votes received, the coveted People’s Choice Award went to Scope Rotorua.

Ray Singh of Indian Star Restaurant was awarded Icon of Hospitality for his dedication to the industry spanning over 25 years, with 18 of them contributing to the flourishing scene Rotorua hospitality of today.

Guests were treated to a delectable selection of local produce and beverages and entertainment by local DJ Shane Schwalger.

For more information regarding the awards please visit hospitalityawards.co.nz\Rotorua.
Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook page @rotoruahospitalityawards and Instagram @rotoruaawards.

Click to image download

 

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2018 Rotorua Hospitality Awards Finalists

More FM Rotorua Outstanding Barista
Grace Choi, McDonalds

Bidfood Rotorua Outstanding Café
Third Place Café

Hancocks Outstanding Bartender
Shaye Honeycombe, Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar

Lion Breweries Bar
BREW Craft Beer Pub

Hospitality Management Systems Front of House Team
Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar, Skyline Rotorua

Tabasco Emerging Chef – Bethany-May Allen, Peppers on the Point
Lake Rotorua

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Outstanding Chef
Phil Elliot, Atticus Finch

Indian Star Emerging Business
El Mexicano Zapata

OneMusic Outstanding Design & Ambience
Urbano Bistro

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant
Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant

Eftpos NZ Outstanding Restaurant
Regent of Rotorua

GrabOne Outstanding Takeout
The Factory Smokehouse & Grill

Skyline Rotorua Outstanding Sales Rep
Rohan Knowles, Diverse Distributors

Eurest Outstanding Supplier
Bidfood Rotorua

Events & Venues Excellence in Event Hospitality
Rotorua Night Market

Rotorua Lakes Council Peoples Choice
Scope Rotorua

Tohu Wines Icon of Hospitality
Ray Singh

The finalists for the 2018 Rotorua Hospitality Awards have been announced, with familiar faces and consistently good establishments vying for top spots.

Presented by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, the Rotorua Hospitality Awards recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals all making a positive impact in the local hospitality scene. A large number of nominations were received from the industry across 16 categories, recognising those who work hard to achieve excellence in hospitality.

Marisa Bidois, Chief Executive of Restaurant Association says:

“Time and time again we are impressed by the number of nominations received and we see this as an endorsement that the Rotorua hospitality industry welcomes the awards as a means to support and recognise each other. It is a real tribute to the calibre of talent in Rotorua hospitality. To be selected by your peers as a leader in your category is a great honour in itself.”

Winners will receive a coveted “Chevron” trophy, representing a stripe indicating rank or length of service. Winners will also be listed on the Eat New Zealand website, a movement dedicated to promoting New Zealand’s best food, drink and culinary destinations to the world.

Final Voting via the website is now open to the industry, closing at midnight on Sunday, 20 May.

The public can also have their say and vote for their favourite establishment via the Rotorua Lakes Council People’s Choice Award. This will be awarded to an establishment that excels in customer service, consistency in food preparation and delivery, welcoming ambience and style, attention to detail and is always willing to go that extra mile. Online voting is now open via the website for both industry and the public.

The winners will be announced at the awards evening, held at the Energy Events Centre on Sunday, 1 July. The Rotorua Hospitality Awards is your opportunity to get together with the city’s hospo squad, enjoy a night of delicious canapés, wine, beer, and cocktails, and participate in a bit of healthy competition at our awards ceremony.

Tickets to the event are on sale now, to purchase or for more information regarding the awards please visit www.hospitalityawards.co.nz/rotorua. Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook page @rotoruahospitalityawards and Instagram @rotoruaawards.

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2018 Rotorua Hospitality Awards Finalists

More FM Rotorua Outstanding Barista of the Year
Ethan Butler, Artisan Cafe
Leroy Cunningham, Market Kitchen
Grace Choi, McDonalds
Andrea Baigorria Germain, Revolver Espresso

Bidfood Rotorua Outstanding Café of the Year
Artisan Café
Lime Caffeteria
Scope Cafe
Third Place Café

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Bartender of the Year
Sean Kelly, Atticus Finch
Shaye Honeycombe, Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar
Rohit Mehla, Rydges Hotel, Rotorua
Scott Barlow, Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar

Lion Breweries Bar of the Year
BREW Craft Beer Pub
Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar
SOBAR

Hospitality Management Systems Front of House Team of the Year
Atticus Finch
Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant
Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar

Tobasco Emerging Talent – Chef
Bethany-May Allen, Peppers on the Point – Lake Rotorua
Pritam Gaware, Skyline Rotorua
Gill Fursharan, Urbano Bistro

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology – Outstanding Chef of the Year
Phil Elliot, Atticus Finch
Digraj Baghela, Princes Gate Hotel
Mark Solon, Urbano Bistro

Indian Star Emerging Talent – Business
Delhi Hutt
El Mexicano Zapata
Scope Cafe

OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design of the Year
Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar
Regent of Rotorua
Urbano Bistro

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant of the Year
Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant
The Thai Restaurant
Yamato Japanese

Eftpos NZ Outstanding Restaurant of the Year
Atticus Finch
Regent of Rotorua
Urbano Bistro

GrabOne Outstanding Takeout of the Year
24b Lunchbar
Pizzeria Imperfetto
The Factory Smokehouse & Grill

Skyline Rotorua Outstanding Sales Rep of the Year
Rohan Knowles, Diverse Distributors
Donna Bloore, Jasco Distributing
Tracey Lawrence, Service Foods

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Supplier of the Year
Bidfood Rotorua
Diverse Distributors
Service Foods

Events & Venues Excellence in Event Hospitality of the Year
Crankworx Rotorua
Rotorua Night Market
The Okere Falls Beerfest

Rotorua’s hospitality industry is to be celebrated for the 7^th year at the 2018 Rotorua Hospitality Awards, an industry event aimed at highlighting the very best of the region.

Presented by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, the Rotorua Hospitality Awards have been recreated with a fresh new identity. The new regional hospitality awards design has come from the need to create a more streamlined and consistent awards platform throughout New Zealand, with the Rotorua Hospitality Awards representing the highly coveted biannual celebration for its region.

 

CEO Marisa Bidois says

Our goal is to bring the hospitality community together and connect them with the larger community.

 

Winners will receive a coveted ‘Chevron’ trophy, symbolising a stripe indicating rank or length of service. The ‘Chevron’ represents the industry’s mark for distinction and provides a recognised symbol for excellence for consumers and visitors alike.

The Restaurant Association has partnered with Eat New Zealand, a collective of New Zealand’s chefs, producers, media, tourism and event operators, who are all dedicated to promoting New Zealand’s best food, beverage, and culinary destinations to the world.

 

Bidois says

Winners will be listed on the Eat New Zealand website, a beneficial development for the region as Rotorua continues to be recognised globally for its distinction in tourism and hospitality.

 

Nominations are now open to the industry until Sunday, 27 May.

Final voting will begin on Tuesday, 29 May and winners will be revealed at the awards evening on Sunday, 1 July at the Energy Events Centre.

The Rotorua general public are also able to vote for their favourite establishment in the Rotorua Lakes Council People’s Choice Award category from 29 May.

Tickets to the event are on sale now. To nominate, purchase tickets or for more information regarding the awards please visit www.hospitalityawards.co.nz\rotorua.

Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook page @rotoruahospitalityawards and Instagram @rotoruaawards.

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2018 Rotorua Hospitality Awards Categories

• More FM Rotorua Outstanding Barista
• Bidfood Rotorua Café
• Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Bartender
• Lion Breweries Bar
• Hospitality Management Systems Outstanding Front of House Team
• Tobasco Emerging Talent – Chef
• Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Outstanding Chef
• Indian Star Emerging Talent – Business
• OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
• Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant
• Eftpos NZ Outstanding Restaurant
• GrabOne Outstanding Takeout
• Skyline Rotorua Outstanding Sales Rep
• Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Supplier
• Events & Venues Excellence in Event Hospitality
• Tohu Wines Hospo Hero
• Rotorua Lakes Council Peoples Choice

The 2017 Rotorua Hospitality Awards winners have been announced!

The Rotorua hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of their own with the announcement of the winners at the Restaurant Association’s annual Rotorua Hospitality Awards.

A record number of votes were received this year, an endorsement that the industry values the Awards as a means to support and recognise each other and are a real tribute to the calibre of talent within Rotorua hospitality. Tried and true favourites were crowned winners alongside some new faces and places making a significant impact on dining options.

With the awards in its sixth year, new categories were adopted to encompass ALL sectors of Rotorua’s Hospitality sector including that which you will find at our local events. They were created to further enhance local and visitor experience in the Rotorua hospitality industry and it’s great to see not only the industry but Rotorua locals getting in behind them.

The Rotorua Branch of the Restaurant Association is extremely proud of all the restaurants, cafes, bars and restaurants that make up our unique and vibrant industry. President Sharon Wallace said “the winners reflect the dynamic and diverse businesses that the Rotorua community has to choose from. The awards are a very important event for our local industry and all the hospitality owners and staff would like to thank the sponsors that support our efforts and helped make these awards such a fantastic celebration.’’

All finalists have put their best foot forward in a bid to stand out from their peers, competing to be the best within their categories for 2017. Sharon says, “All finalists have undergone a judging process to determine the winners, the results that came in were extremely close, showing the depth of talent that we have in Rotorua in our food and beverage offerings.”

Tributes, fond memories and raised glasses for industry icons were celebrated including a tribute dedicated to Joe Horvath, Joe’s Diner and Doug Tamaki, Tamaki Maori Village. Bruce Thomasen, past General Manager of Skyline Rotorua was also recognised for his expansive career in hospitality as the recipient of the Icon of Hospitality Award.

The winners were announced in front of a sell-out crowd of over 400 hospitality staff. With a full night of Moroccan flair, from theming to entertainment by local dance company Lakes Performing Arts, a menu inspired by Moroccan flavours, awards ceremony hosted by MC Kingi Biddle, music by international DJ duo Sweet Mix Kids and an inspiring presentation by world renowned Chef Michael Meredith, it was a night of celebration for all!

2017 Rotorua Hospitality Awards Winners: 

• More FM Outstanding Barista – Andrew Phillips, Revolver Espresso
• Bidfood Rotorua Outstanding Café – Third Place Café
• Indian Star Emerging Business – Artisan Café
• Skyline Rotorua Outstanding Sales Representative – Nick Patel, Fenton Quality Produce
• Restaurant Association of New Zealand Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant – Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant
• Gilmours Tauranga Outstanding Takeout – Oppies Fish & Chips
• Simpy Pure Outstanding Bartender – Mayur Keluskar, Rydges Rotorua
• Monin Outstanding Bar – Brew Craft Beer Pub
• Menumate Point of Sale Outstanding Front of House Team – Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant
• Service IQ Emerging Chef – Binoy MB, Skyline Rotorua
• Ingham’s NZ Outstanding Chef – Alan Haslem, Regent of Rotorua
• OneMusic Outstanding Restaurant – Atticus Finch
• Events & Venues Rotorua Excellence in Event Hospitality – Crankworx Rotorua
• Rotorua Lakes Council People’s Choice – Ciccio Italian Café
• Tohu Wines Icon of Hospitality – Bruce Thomasen

The 2017 Rotorua Hospitality Awards Committee are pleased to announce and congratulate this year’s finalists for the 2017 Rotorua Hospitality Awards.

The awards are well supported by our wonderful sponsors of whom some have been with us for 6 years.  This year we are also happy to have Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology and Independent Liquor as partner sponsors for this event.  Without these sponsors, the awards will not go ahead, so we as an industry thank them for their continued support.

A record number of nominations were received this year, an endorsement that the industry values the awards as a means to support and recognise each other and are a real tribute to the calibre of talent Rotorua hospitality.

Sharon Wallace, Rotorua Branch President of the Restaurant Association of NZ says “The committee were ‘overwhelmed’ by nominations this year, popularity of the awards are continuing to grow from strength to strength every year.” “The awards are about recognising the region’s hospitality industry for their outstanding commitment to Rotorua, being voted by your peers as being the best in the industry is something to be proud of.”

More FM Outstanding Barista finalist Stephanie Davies from Capers Epicurean said “I’m really surprised to be nominated this year, the recognition from the industry means a lot and I’m pretty excited.”

The voting process is the most important step as this is how the winners for each category are selected by the peers who have nominated them. The individual categories will be independently judged by hospitality representatives and the establishments that have been nominated will also be mystery shopped to measure performance and overall experience.

General public are encouraged to vote for the Rotorua Lakes Council People’s Choice Award category. This vote is awarded to an Establishment that excels in Customer Service, consistency in food preparation and delivery, welcoming ambiance and style with an attention to detail and they are always willing to go that extra mile.

2017 Rotorua Hospitality Awards Finalists:

More FM Outstanding Barista

Fat Dog Cafe & Bar

Lakeside Café

Third Place Café

Bidfood Outstanding Café

Fat Dog Cafe & Bar

Lakeside Café

Third Place Café

Indian Star Emerging Business

Artisan Café

The Factory Smokehouse & Grill

SOBAR

Skyline Rotorua Outstanding Sales Representative

Donna Bloore – Jasco Distributing

Nick Patel – Fenton Quality Produce

Rohan Knowles – Diverse Distributors

Restaurant Association of New Zealand Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant

Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant

Lovely India Restaurant and Bar

Wild Rice Thai Cuisine

Gilmours Tauranga Outstanding Takeout

Delhi Hutt

Devon Seafoods

Oppies Fish & Chips

Restaurant Association of New Zealand Outstanding Bartender

Mel Rolfe – Brew Craft Beer Pub

Scott Barlow – Skyline Rotorua

Mayur Keluskar – Rydges Rotorua

Monin Outstanding Bar

Brew Craft Beer Pub

Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar

SOBAR

The Lava Bar

Menumate Point of Sale Outstanding Front of House Team

Atticus Finch

CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen

Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant

Urbano Bistro

Service IQ Emerging Chef

Subin Samuel – Rydges Rotorua

Binoy MB – Skyline Rotorua

Talia Runga – Pig n’ Whistle

Ingham’s NZ Outstanding Chef

Alan Haslem – Regent of Rotorua

Isabel Ronquilo – Market Kitchen

Victor Edelsten – Pig n’ Whistle

 OneMusic Outstanding Restaurant

Atticus Finch

CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen

Lone Star Restaurant & Bar

Events & Venues Excellence in Event Hospitality

Crankworx Rotorua

Okere Falls Beerfest

Rotorua Night Market

Rotorua Summer Seafood Festival

 

Details on the event and tickets to the event can be found at hospitalityawards.co.nz/rotorua.