Hospitality awards presented to top local restaurants
Andrea Leighton is the new chair of the Palmerston North Hospitality Awards, and it was a first for her to present the awards at a dinner.
Andrea is Gilmours Central sales manager, which she said gave her “a unique angle into this world”.
“For the past three years my addiction has been hospitality.”
She said that in the rush of learning something new, there was always excitment to discover the next greatest thing.
In her role she saw the passion, drive and commitment of those in the hospitality trade.
“Getting up at crazy o clock, with long hours, frustration and heartache, while often putting all you have on the line, are admirable, and of course crazy.”
“Manawatu¯ needs our vibrant eateries, bars and cafes. As a community, we rely on the trade for not only business and employment, but for the places to dine, socialise and catch up with friends.”
The Manawatu¯ hospitality committee started planning the event 10 months ago.
“They are passionate individuals, dedicated to promoting and highlighting the whole of hospitality.”
The committee members are Julie Poole, Brian Holmes, Sean Kereama, Reuben Leung Wai, Jenni May, Mark Dunwell, James Bragger, Paul Shadbolt, and Barbara Taniyama.
The winners:
Bidfood Restaurant of the Year: Amayjen; Stonecold Distributors Ethnic Restaurant of the Year: Yatai Izakaya Restaurant; D avis Food Ingredients Cafe´ of the Year: The Elm Cafe´ ; Nestle´ Professional Conference and Event Venue of the Year: Orlando Country Club; Riverlea Caterer of the Year: Crafted and Co; Tootill Electrical Takeaway of the Year: Burger Fuel; Gilmours Central Pub of the Year:Brew Union; MHA Bar/Night Spot of the Year:The Brewers Apprentice; NZME Supplier of the Year: Davis Trading; Restaurant Association of NZ Hospitality Personality of the Year: Scott Kennedy (Nero); Chef’s Choice Chef of the Year: Grant Kitchen (Brew Union); Ebony Coffee Barista of the Year: Elise McIlroy (Coffee in a Box); Ucol Emerging Chef of the Year: Ashlee Tanner (Amayjen); BCE Catering Equipment Maitre d’ / F&B Host of the Year: Grace Farrington (Aberdeen on Broadway); Steinlager Waiter of the Year: Isabelle Ellingham (Little Savanna); Hospitality NZ Bartender of the Year: Matt Jenner (Brew Union); The Sharon Mann Memorial Award for Outstanding continued support of hospitality in the region: Phil Monk.