Tohu Wines Icon of Hospitality, Bruce Thomasen. Photo/Stephen Parker
Tohu Wines Icon of Hospitality, Bruce Thomasen. Photo/Stephen Parker
Atticus Finch, Crankworx Rotorua and Skyline Rotorua's former general manager Bruce Thomasen were among the winners at this year's Rotorua Hospitality Awards.
The sixth annual Rotorua Hospitality Awards were held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre to acknowledge the outstanding talents within the hospitality industry.
The night was full of Moroccan flair, from the theme to the entertainment by local dance company Lakes Performing Art and a menu featuring Moroccan flavours.
Simply Pure Outstanding Bartender winner Mayur Keluskar from Rydges Rotorua. Photo/supplied
The awards were hosted by MC Kingi Biddle and featured music by international DJ duo Sweet Mix Kids and an inspiring presentation by world renowned chef Michael Meredith.
A record number of votes were received this year, with organisers saying it shows the industry value the awards as a means to support and recognise each other.
The winners were announced in front of more than 400 hospitality staff.
Tried and true favourites were crowned, alongside some new faces and places making a significant impact on dining options.
New award categories were adopted this year to encompass all sectors of Rotorua's hospitality, including local events.
Sharon Wallace, president of the Rotorua Branch of the Restaurant Association, said they were extremely proud of all the restaurants, cafes and bars that made up the city's unique and vibrant industry.
More FM Outstanding Barista winner Andrew Phillips from Revolver Espresso
Mrs Wallace said the winners reflected the dynamic and diverse businesses the Rotorua community had 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 who support our efforts and helped make these awards such a fantastic celebration."
All finalists put their best foot forward in a bid to stand out from their peers, competing to be the best within their categories for 2017.
"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," Mrs Wallace said.
There were raised glasses and fond memories shared for industry icons including a tribute dedicated to Joe Horvath of Joe's Diner and Doug Tamaki of Tamaki Maori Village.
Mr Thomasen was also recognised for his extensive career in hospitality as the recipient of the coveted Icon of Hospitality Award.
2017 Rotorua Hospitality Awards Winners - More FM Outstanding Barista: Andrew Phillips, Revolver Espresso - Bidfood Rotorua Outstanding Cafe:Third Place Cafe - Indian Star Emerging Business: Artisan Cafe - 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 - Simply 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 Cafe - Tohu Wines Icon of Hospitality: Bruce Thomasen
