Hospitality judging goes live

Zippy Central Bar and Cafe barista Simon Kerr was whipping up his finest latte at a live judging event that forms part of the Rotorua Hospitality Awards. Photo/Stephen Parker

It was a battle of coffee, cocktails and cooks, as the Rotorua Hospitality Awards finalists showed off their talents.

About 12 finalists took part in a live judging event at Waiariki Institute of Technology on Saturday, preparing anything from lamb shanks to lattes for renowned industry professionals to taste.

The event began with finalists for the outstanding chef and emerging chef titles, who were tasked with creating a signature entree, and main dish made from ingredients in a mystery box.

Competitors for outstanding barista category followed, making espressos, flat whites and lattes, before outstanding bartender finalists mixed up alcoholic beverages.

Restaurant Association of New Zealand Rotorua branch president Sharon Wallace said she was blown away by the calibre of talent on show.

"The live judging is a thrilling new addition to the awards with all of the finalists doing local industry proud.

"Finalists had to create examples of their work with the emerging and outstanding chefs required to create dishes from a mystery box of ingredients," she said.

Judges were industry professionals and included multi-award winning chef Stephen Barry from Mount Bistro and Brad McGlynn from the Chateau Tongariro.

Rotorua Hospitality Awards event manager Vanessa Wallace said it was the first time the awards had involved a live judging element.

"Being in its third year, we wanted to add something new and unique to this year's awards," she said.

"By introducing this practical, live judging component, it won't just be a matter of votes, or who has the most friends."

The live judging scores make up part of the competitor's final score.

She said finalists were supported by their workmates and managers on Saturday. Next year she hoped to make the live judging open to the public, she said.

The Rotorua Hospitality Award winners will be announced at an awards evening at the Rotorua Convention Centre on June 29.

For more information or to get tickets go to www.rotoruaawards.co.nz