The finalists have been announced in the inaugural Northland Hospitality awards, representing the best dining establishments in the region as voted by the hospitality industry.
Popular Asian fusion restaurant No.8 situated in Whangārei’s town basin takes out four nominations for Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant, Ambience & Design as well as accolades for Chef de Partie Reejo Joseph as Emerging Chef and Mike Aldred for Outstanding Bartender.
Situated within the Wharepuke Subtropical Garden in Kerikeri Māha Restaurant, noted for its fresh, local and seasonal products and a fusion of flavours and cooking techniques is nominated in the categories of Outstanding Restaurant and Front of House Team.
Whangerei’s The Quay also picks up four nominations including two for its back of house team with Juanita Woodbury and Stephen Pashley both contenders for the award of Outstanding Emerging Chef.
Great cafes are not lacking in the region with Helena Bay Café, Milk and Honey Kamo, Nook Espresso and The Cove Café all receiving nominations in the category of Outstanding Cafe.
Those looking for the region’s best flat white have ample selection with Miles Toto, of Barrow Boys Coffee, Laura Hosznyak of Hello Pickle, Brittany Chez Cox of Nook Espresso and Tom Richardson of Third Wheel Coffee Co. all finalists in the category of Outstanding Barista.
Those looking for a place to get a great drink also won’t be disappointed with the region’s growing assortment of top-notch bars recognised.
Pure Bar, Split Bar & Restaurant, The Butter Factory and Tipsy Oyster all receive nominations for the title of Outstanding Bar.
Sixteen awards will be presented to the best of the Northland hospitality industry. From crew members, to suppliers, to establishments – the best of the best will be celebrated for their contribution to creating a world-class hospitality scene in the region.
CEO Marisa Bidois says, “with its fertile land and subtropical climate, Northland is home to some of New Zealand’s best produce which is expertly prepared and served by the region’s dining establishments.
“Our industry has had an incredibly challenging year so it’s now even more important that we take time out to recognise those people who showcase our incredible produce and welcome us into their establishments.”
The Northland community is also able to vote for its favourite establishment in the Savour! Northland People’s Choice Award category.
“Savour! Northland supports and promotes Northland’s food and beverage industry and is excited to be sponsoring the People’s Choice category at Northland’s first Hospitality Awards.
“Through the Regional Business Partnership Programme, we have been able to help a lot of hospitality businesses through the challenges of Covid-19. This is a fantastic way to celebrate their mahi and great timing just after our first local food celebration FEAST 2020. We wish everyone the best of luck,” said Joseph Stuart, Northland Inc’s General Manager Business Innovation and Growth.
Voting is open until Friday, 4 September at 5.pm and the winners will be revealed on Monday, 14 September.
Voting links are here for industry and here for People’s Choice.
Northland Hospitality Awards 2020 Finalists
Meadow Fresh Outstanding Barista
Miles Toto, Barrow Boys Coffee
Laura Hosznyak, Hello Pickle
Brittany Chez Cox, Nook Espresso
Tom Richardson, Third Wheel Coffee Co.
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Bartender
Mike Aldred, No. 8
Venezuela Pomare, RED MexiCasa
Sam Tarrant, The Butter Factory
Lucy Best, The Duke Tavern
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Front of House Team
Māha Restaurant
Sage Restaurant
The Duke of Marlborough
The Quay
NorthTec Emerging Chef
Te Marie Beirne, Jolt Café
Reejo Joseph, No. 8
Juanita Woodbury, The Quay
Stephen Pashley, The Quay
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Chef
Daniel Fraser, Sage Restaurant
Josh Brandso, Split Bar & Restaurant
Marcus Berndt, Terra Restaurant
Michael Oliver, The Gables
Bidfood Whangārei Outstanding Café
Helena Bay Cafe
Milk and Honey Kamo
Nook Espresso
The Cove Café
The Hits Northland Outstanding Bar
Pure Bar
Split Bar & Restaurant
The Butter Factory
Tipsy Oyster
The Northern Advocate Outstanding Casual Dining/Street Food
Biggie Bagels
Coastal Kitchen
McLeod’s Pizza Barn
Wingless Angel BBQ
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Ambience & Design
Hone’s Garden
No. 8
Omata Estate
RED MexiCasa
Whangārei District Love It Here! Outstanding Local Establishment
Hone’s Garden
McMorrissey’s Irish Bar
The Dune
Quail Café
Eftpos NZ Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant
Mean’s Vietnamese Café
No. 8
Sukjai Thai Restaurant
Turmeric Indian Restaurant
dinefind Outstanding Restaurant
Māha Restaurant
Sage Restaurant
Terra Restaurant
The Quay
nib Health Insurance Outstanding Sales Rep
Rebecca Neill, Bidfood Whangārei
Kelvin Long, Hospitality Supply Company
Miranda Paisley, Negociants NZ
Robert Tadman, Northland Hospitality
Eat New Zealand Outstanding Food & Beverage Producer
Black Collar Distillery
Fish to Fish
Grinning Gecko Cheeses
McLeod’s Brewery
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Supplier
Bidfood Whangārei
Far North Foods
Okaihau Village Butchery
Omak Butchery
