TOP TASSIE DINING TALENT VIES FOR SILVERWARE

THREE Tasmanian restaurants and a wine bar could gain nationwide recognition for excellence, with the four venues all finalists in the 2022 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards.

Gourmet Traveller editor Joanna Hunkin said the awards set the agenda for foodies and those who love dining out.

“The Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards have been going more than 50 years; they’re about celebrating the best dining experiences across Australia,” she said. “It’s about singling out people, chefs and hospitality staff providing that top tier experience.”

Marion Bay’s Van Bone is a finalist for best new restaurant, Hobart’s Sonny is a finalist for best wine bar, and in the category of restaurant personality of the year, Federica Andrisani and Oskar Rossi of Fico are in the running.

Meanwhile, Launceston’s Stillwater could take out best destination dining. “That’s a great example of a legacy restaurant; it’s been there for 20 years, but is still exuding fresh energy and is delivering in unique and exciting ways,“Ms Hunkin said.

She said the awards usually had a positive impact on businesses. “The thing we hear from chefs and restaurateurs is they really see an uplift in business following the awards,” Ms Hunkin said. The winners will be announced on October 24.