Cats are kicking goals in catering

THE Geelong Cats’ new hospitality arm is quickly making its mark as a leading catering venue.

Launched less than six months ago, the Cats’ revamped events and conferencing business Higher Mark has won the Victorian Venue Caterer category at this year’s Victoria and Tasmania Savour Australia Restaurant and Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence.

Adding to the region’s growing reputation for culinary excellence, the Jack Rabbit Vineyard Restaurant also picked up two awards: best tourism restaurant and best winery restaurant.

The awards are an independently judged program that recognise exceptional service and culinary talent and Higher Mark knocked off an impressive list of venues to win its category with the finalists comprising catering businesses at Melbourne Museum, the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Town Hall and Flemington Racecourse.

The Cats’ general manager, food and beverage, Andre Smaniotto, said the award judges had visited the venue to give scores based on the entire dining experience, from food to the customer journey and service.

“Our category was very strong with established and well recognised venues and companies up against us,” Mr Smaniotto said.

“Winning this award was only possible due to the collaborative approach from all involved. All at the club that came together to invest in Higher Mark, to the team in the kitchen and front of house for the quality of food and service delivery on the day deserve congratulations.”

Higher Mark caters for a wide range of functions across the 32 event spaces at GMHBA Stadium.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard Restaurant took the Tourism Restaurant Award ahead of finalists that included two other Bellarine Peninsula businesses — The Q Train and The Shed at Terindah Estate.

It also tipped out The Shed for the Restaurant in a Winery Award with other finalists including Locale at De Bortoli at Yarra Valley Estate and the Terrace Restaurant at All Saints Estate.

All state award winners will be considered for the national awards in October.