Inaugural hospitality awards presented
QUEENSTOWN’S highly competitive hospitality sector was in the spotlight on Monday night as winners of the inaugural 2018 Queenstown Hospitality Awards were announced.
Among the 22 winners, restaurant Botswana Butchery, supplier Bidfood Queenstown, and cafe, bar and restaurant Yonder all won multiple awards.
The coveted People’s Choice Award — which received 650 votes — went to Blue Kanu.
Restaurant Association of New Zealand chief executive Marisa Bidois said hospitality work was demanding and the awards were an occasion to celebrate the hard work and success of the industry within the region. About 240 people
attended the event, which was held at Skyline Queenstown.
‘‘With all categories keenly contested, this year’s winners truly exemplify what it means to be at the top of their respective categories,’’ Ms Bidois said.
She said Vicky Wong of
Botswana Butchery won the top honour of Outstanding Chef, La Rumbla proved they ‘‘had all the ingredients’’ to be named Outstanding Restaurant of the Year, and the team at Madam Woo were named Outstanding Front of House Team.
Ms Bidois said local Tony Robertson, formerly of Hamills Restaurant, was awarded Hospo Hero of the Year for his dedication spanning more than 30 years and his contribution to the flourishing Queenstown hospitality scene.