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REGIONS COMBINE FOR NSW AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

The best restaurateurs, caterers and café operators in New South Wales were announced at the Savour AustraliaTM Restaurant & Catering HOSTPLUS Awards for Excellence last night.

This year, the Southern, Northern and Sydney Metropolitan regions have combined to form the

only Awards for Excellence held in New South Wales, which attracted almost 750 guests at the

Dockside Pavilion, Darling Harbour.

The industry’s night of nights recognises regional and metropolitan operators across that state who

provide exceptional service, demonstrate culinary excellence, and deliver great ambience and

value for money.

The winners of the major award categories include:

Quay, The Rocks – Sydney Metropolitan Restaurant of the Year;

Eschalot Restaurant, Berrima – NSW Restaurant of the Year;

Blond Catering – Austral Bricks Design Studio, Marrickville – Sydney Metropolitan Caterer of the Year;

Leogate Estate, Pokolbin – Regional NSW Caterer of the Year;

Bill Galvin – Lifetime Achiever;

Judy & Michael McMahon – Hall of Fame;

John Fink - Restaurateur of the Year;

Jean-Michel at the Knickerbocker, Thredbo Village - Consumer Vote Award – Southern NSW;

Table 1 Espresso, Merewether – Consumer Vote Award – Northern NSW;

Bistro Hulu, Sydney – Consumer Vote Award - Sydney Metropolitan;

In addition to their major awards, Quay also won Fine Dining Restaurant, Eschalot Restaurant was also awarded the Contemporary Australian Restaurant award and Blond Catering took home the Venue Caterer category. Ripples Chowder Bay, Mosman, also won two categories, being crowned both Contemporary Australian Restaurant – Informal and Café Restaurant. Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA) CEO John Hart congratulates the winners of each category.

“The winners should be proud of their achievements, as they have been rigorously reviewed in one of the most objective awards systems, which looks at the entire dining experience, rather than a single food or service dimension. It is this dining experience that attracts international visitors to our country and is proudly promoted in Tourism Australia’s Restaurant Australia campaign. “I thank all the operators who participate in the Awards for Excellence program for their passion,

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commitment and dedication to their craft. Both the finalists and winners have made a significant contribution to the industry and its reputation across the world,” said Mr Hart.

Stewart White, Chair of Judges for the Awards for Excellence, says it is important to note that businesses are judged using criteria established by their customers.

“Knowing your customer and exceeding their expectations is pivotal to success - businesses need to serve great food, to evolve and innovate, and invest in their staff”, said Mr White.

The New South Wales Social Media Award, which aims to encourage and recognise the use of social media, was awarded to Table 1 Espresso, which generated the most posts on Instagram using their registered hashtag.

Mr Hart believes the industry cannot ignore the power of new communication platforms to engage with their customers.

“The digital age is upon us – the use of smartphones is growing exponentially in Australia with smartphone ownership estimated at about 81 percent. It’s great to see operators embracing technology and finding new ways to engage with customers. “The rewards have never been greater for those who participate in the Awards for Excellence program, with finalists and winners highlighted on the Savour Australia booking website, which aims to promote their business to the world”, said Mr Hart. Some of the winning businesses will compete at the national Awards for Excellence held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Monday 26 October.

ABOUT SAVOUR AUSTRALIA The Savour AustraliaTM Restaurant & Catering HOSTPLUS Awards for Excellence is a nationally recognised, independently judged awards program that highlights exceptional service, culinary excellence, incredible ambience and value for money. Savour Australia is Restaurant & Catering Australia's (R&CA) consumer brand, aimed at promoting and profiling caterers, restaurants and café businesses to avid diners. The Savour Australia website offers diners one of the largest online directories of restaurants and cafes to search and book from.

Join the conversation on the Awards for Excellence at Savour Australia #savourawards

https://www.facebook.com/savouraustralia

https://instagram.com/savouraus/ https://twitter.com/savouraus/

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2015 NEW SOUTH WALES WINNERS & FINALISTS

SYDNEY METROPOLITAN RESTAURANT AWARDS

ASIAN RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Arthur J Gallagher

WINNER - Red Lantern on Riley, DARLINGHURST

BEER CAFÉ / WINE BAR

Sponsored by APRA AMCOS

WINNER - Bavarian Bier Café, SYDNEY

BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Bulla

WINNER - Kazbah, BALMAIN

BURGER CAFÉ

Sponsored by PFD Foods

WINNER - Burger Project Australia, SYDNEY

CAFÉ RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Di Bella Coffee

WINNER - Ripples, MILSONS POINT

CHINESE RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Commonwealth Bank

WINNER - The Century Restaurant, PYRMONT

COFFEE SHOP / TEA HOUSE

Sponsored by Di Bella Coffee

WINNER - Maximus Atrium Café, SYDNEY

CONTEMPORARY AUSTRALIAN RESTAURANT - INFORMAL

Sponsored by Alsco

WINNER - Sails on Lavender Bay, McMAHONS POINT

CONTEMPORARY AUSTRALIAN RESTAURANT - INFORMAL

Sponsored by Alsco

WINNER - Ripples Chowder Bay, MOSMAN

EUROPEAN RESTAURANT

Sponsored by ComCater & Rational

WINNER - Ananas, THE ROCKS

FAMILY DINING RESTAURANT

Sponsored by American Express

HONOURABLE MENTION - Greenfield Station Bistro – Bankstown Sports Club, BANKSTOWN

FINE DINING RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Alsco

WINNER - Quay, THE ROCKS

GREEK RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Commercial Energy Brokers Australia

WINNER - Alpha Restaurant, SYDNEY

INDIAN / SUB-CONTINENT RESTAURANT

Sponsored by H&L Australia

WINNER - AKI's Restaurant WOOLLOOMOOLOO

ITALIAN RESTAURANT - FORMAL

Sponsored by Entertainment Publications

WINNER - Intermezzo Ristorante, SYDNEY

ITALIAN RESTAURANT - INFORMAL

Sponsored by Entertainment Publications

WINNER - Giro Osteria, CRONULLA

JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Arthur J Gallagher

WINNER - Toko, SURRY HILLS

NEW RESTAURANT

Sponsored by H&L Australia

WINNER - Raita Noda Chef’s Kitchen, SURRY HILLS

PIZZA RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Tiger Corp

WINNER - Hugos, MANLY

RESTAURANT IN A LICENSED VENUE

Sponsored by Lion

WINNER - 3 Weeds Restaurant, ROZELLE

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT – FORMAL

Sponsored by Beloka Water

WINNER - The Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay, GLEBE

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT - INFORMAL

Sponsored by Beloka Water

WINNER - Garfish at Kirribilli, KIRRIBILLI

SMALL BAR

Sponsored by Lion

WINNER - Atrium Bar, BANKSTOWN

SPECIALTY RESTAURANT

Sponsored by APRA AMCOS

WINNER - Efendy, BALMAIN

STEAK RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Bidvest

WINNER - The Cut Bar & Grill, THE ROCKS

SUSHI BAR

Sponsored by Arthur J Gallagher

WINNER - Raw Bar, BONDI BEACH

TAPAS RESTAURANT

Sponsored by APRA AMCOS

WINNER - Postales Restaurant and Tapas Bar, SYDNEY

THAI RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Arthur J Gallagher

WINNER - Alphabet Street, CRONULLA

REGIONAL NSW RESTAURANT AWARDS

ASIAN RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Arthur J Gallagher

WINNER - Nagisa Japanese Restaurant, NEWCASTLE

BAKERY / PATISSERIE

Sponsored by Bulla

WINNER - Sweet Poison, NEWCASTLE WEST

BREAKFAST RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Bulla

WINNER - Green Zebra, ALBURY

BURGER CAFÉ

Sponsored by PFD Foods

HONOURABLE MENTION - Wholly Cow, SAWTELL

CAFÉ RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Di Bella Coffee

WINNER - Lotus Espresso, THE JUNCTION

CHINESE RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Commonwealth Bank

WINNER - New Bo Wah Chinese Restaurant, MOREE

COFFEE SHOP / TEA HOUSE

Sponsored by Di Bella Coffee

WINNER - Café Salt, CHARLESTOWN

CONTEMPORARY AUSTRALIAN RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Alsco

WINNER - Eschalot Restaurant, BERRIMA

EUROPEAN RESTAURANT

Sponsored by ComCater & Rational

WINNER - Le Chat Noir, TERRIGAL

FAMILY DINING RESTAURANT

Sponsored by American Express

WINNER - Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant, MERIMBULA

FINE DINING RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Alsco

WINNER - Circa 1876, POKOLBIN

INDIAN / SUB-CONTINENT RESTAURANT

Sponsored by H&L Australia

WINNER - Kohli’s Indian Restaurant, BATEMANS BAY

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Entertainment Publications

WINNER - Caffé Rosso, BOWRAL

NEW RESTAURANT

Sponsored by H&L Australia

WINNER - Levelone @ Harbourfront, WOLLONGONG

PIZZA RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Tiger Corp

WINNER - Sea Salt Ristorante Pizzeria, KINGSCLIFF

RESTAURANT IN A MOTEL / MOTOR INN / GUESTHOUSE

Sponsored by Commonwealth Bank

WINNER - Crackenback Farm Restaurant & Guesthouse, CRACKENBACK

RESTAURANT IN A HOTEL / RESORT

Sponsored by Commonwealth Bank

WINNER - Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant and Spa, KILLCARE HEIGHTS

RESTAURANT IN A CLUB

Sponsored by Lion

WINNER - Latitude Thirty Three Brasserie – Gosford Sailing Club, GOSFORD

RESTAURANT IN A PUB

Sponsored by Lion

WINNER - Harrigan's Irish Pub, HARRINGTON

RESTAURANT IN A WINERY

Sponsored by Hostplus

WINNER - Margan Restaurant & Winery, BROKE

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Beloka Water

WINNER - Scratchley’s on the Wharf, NEWCASTLE

SMALL BAR

Sponsored by Lion

WINNER - Reserve Wine Bar, NEWCASTLE

SPECIALTY RESTAURANT

Sponsored by APRA AMCOS

WINNER - Taco Bill, ALBURY

STEAK RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Bidvest

WINNER - SSS BBQ Barn, TAMWORTH

NSW RESTAURANT AWARDS

NSW TOURISM RESTAURANT

Sponsored by American Express

WINNER - Aqua Dining, MILSONS POINT

SYDNEY METROPOLITAN CATERING AWARDS

CATERER AT A MAJOR EVENT

Sponsored by American Express

WINNER - Australian Turf Club, RANDWICK

CATERER AT AN EVENT

Sponsored by American Express

WINNER - Delaware North Australia, MOORE PARK

CORPORATE CATERER

Sponsored by Alseasons Hospitality

WINNER - Commonwealth Bank of Australia, SYDNEY

FUNCTION / CONVENTION CENTRE CATERER

Sponsored by Bidvest

WINNER - Luna Park Sydney, MILSONS POINT

INDUSTRIAL / INSTITUTIONAL CATERER

Sponsored by Hostplus

WINNER - Trippas White Group – Scots College, BELLEVUE

NEW CATERER

Sponsored by H&L Australia

HONOURABLE MENTION - MV Epicure Spotless, PYRMONT

RESTAURANT CATERER

Sponsored by Bulla

WINNER - est – Merivale, SYDNEY

SITE-CONTRACT CATERER

Sponsored by Hostplus

WINNER - Compass Group – Taronga Zoo, MOSMAN

SMALL CATERER

Sponsored by Alseasons Hospitality

WINNER - Piquant Catering, FIVE DOCK

VENUE CATERER

Sponsored by Commercial Energy Brokers Australia

WINNER - Blond Catering – Austral Bricks Design Studio, MARRICKVILLE

WEDDING CATERER

Sponsored by Hostplus

WINNER - Doltone House – Hyde Park, SYDNEY

REGIONAL NSW CATERING AWARDS

EVENTS CATERER

Sponsored by American Express

WINNER - H&H Catering, EAST GOSFORD

FUNCTION / CONVENTION CENTRE CATERER

Sponsored by Bidvest

WINNER - City Beach Function Centre, WOLLONGONG

INDUSTRIAL / INSTITUTIONAL CATERER

Sponsored by Hostplus

WINNER - H.S Caterer – John Hunter Hospital, NEW LAMBTON HEIGHTS

NEW CATERER

Sponsored by H&L Australia

HONOURABLE MENTION - Seasoned Hospitality – Breakers Country Club, WAMBERAL

RESTAURANT CATERER

Sponsored by Bulla

WINNER - Roscrea Estate, POKOLBIN

SMALL CATERER

Sponsored by Alseasons Hospitality

WINNER - The D’Vine Group, SOMERSBY

WEDDING CATERER

Sponsored by Hostplus

WINNER - Leogate Estate, POKOLBIN

MAJOR AWARDS

SOCIAL MEDIA AWARD

Sponsored by Savour Australia

WINNER - Table 1 Espresso, MEREWETHER

CONSUMER VOTE AWARD – SOUTHERN NSW

Sponsored by Savour Australia

WINNER – Jean-Michel at the Knickerbocker, THREDBO VILLAGE

CONSUMER VOTE AWARD – NORTHERN NSW

Sponsored by Savour Australia

WINNER - Table 1 Espresso, MEREWETHER

CONSUMER VOTE AWARD – SYDNEY METROPOLITAN

Sponsored by Savour Australia

WINNER - Bistro Hulu, SYDNEY

RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR

WINNER – John Fink

HALL OF FAME

WINNER – Judy & Michael McMahon

LIFETIME ACHIEVER

WINNER – Bill Galvin

REGIONAL NSW CATERER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Arthur J Gallagher

WINNER – Leogate Estate, POKOLBIN

SYDNEY METROPOLITAN CATERER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Arthur J Gallagher

WINNER - Blond Catering – Austral Bricks Design Studio, MARRICKVILLE

REGIONAL NSW RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Hostplus

WINNER – Eschalot Restaurant, BERRIMA

SYDNEY METROPOLITAN RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Hostplus

WINNER - Quay, THE ROCKS