Aucklanders vying for hospitality awards

One of Ponsonby's longest-surviving restaurants and a colourful waterfront eatery are vying for the most titles at the Restaurant Association's hospitality awards this month.

Prego, which is fast approaching 20 and regarded as one of Ponsonby Rd's top restaurants, and Euro, a stalwart of the Viaduct, both have three nominations for the association's Lewisham Awards. Both are up for outstanding maitre d' and waiter, while Prego is nominated for best restaurateur (Krishna Botica). Euro's man in the kitchen, Shane Yardley, is up for outstanding chef.

Four restaurants or bars are in contention for the best ambience and style award - Match in Pitt St, Ponsonby's SPQR, Swashbucklers in Westhaven and Ottos in the Metropolis building - while the outstanding hospitality nominees are Vivace's Mandy Lusk; Tony Adcock, owner of Harbourside and Fish; Simon Gault, co-owner of Jervois Rd Italian eatery Felice; and Clive Weston from Negociants.

Winners will be announced on May 29 at a function at SkyCity.

The nominees include:

Outstanding Maitre d'

Brandon Lelaulu, Prego; Jeremy Turner, Cibo; Vincent Rey, Euro; Mark Wallbank, Rocco.

Outstanding Waiter

Robere Pothier, the George; Donna Robinson, Prego; Des Hoeflich, Cibo; Jeremiah Yeeh, Euro.

Outstanding Bartender

Steve Colthart, Tabac; Stafford Williams, the Coco Club; Selena Clarke, Plum; Richard Burns, Mo's.

Outstanding Barista

Cameron Woodcock, Agnes Curran; Brooke Peterson, Dizengoff; Nick Berry, Grace; Chris Adams, Rosehip.

Outstanding Sommelier

John Ingles, Number 5; Peter Allen, Cin Cin on Quay; Prue Barton, Vinnies; Ely Briguet, Antoines.

Outstanding Chef

Michael Meredith, the Grove; Simon Wright, the French Cafe; Shane Yardley, Euro; Sonya Paget, the George/Jimmy C.

Innovative Chef

Amanda Morris-Baker, Rice; Michael Van de Elzen, Molten; Morgan Lonegan, Bella; Natalia Schamroth, Reuben.

Outstanding Restaurateur

Amanda Frecker, Rice; Richard Sigley, Nourish Group; Krishna Botica, Prego; Metin Yildiz, Mecca.