The Taranaki hospitality industry has acknowledged the outstanding abilities of its own with the announcement of the winners at the Taranaki Hospitality Awards ceremony held at TSB Showplace.
Presented by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand and lead partners Lexis Comply Hub, the awards affectionately known as “The Halamoanas”, acknowledge the outstanding hospitality professionals, all of whom are making a positive impact on the local café and dining scene.
Popular restaurant The Social Kitchen situated in the former Salvation Army citadel won three awards for outstanding restaurant, ambience and design as well as recognition for Seamus Fawkner in the emerging chef category.
Robert Isbister of Meat & Liquor Steakhouse took top honours winning the outstanding chef award.
Ngapera Hohaia-Aiton of Arborio wins the award for outstanding waiter/waitress. Situated within the Puke Ariki museum on St Aubyn Street, the restaurant is as notable for its stunning architecture and outstanding sea views as it is for its excellent service.
Great cafes are not lacking in the region with The Federal Store winning the award for outstanding café and Antony Manjali of Escape Coffee recognised as the region’s 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. Kerry Simeon of Crowded House wins the award for outstanding bartender, Shining Peak Brewing as the region’s outstanding bar and Snug Lounge for outstanding boutique bar.
The Taranaki community also voted for its favourite establishment in the People’s Choice Award category, with Deluxe Diner recognised as the locals’ favourite.
CEO Marisa Bidois says, “Named by the Lonely Planet as one of the best regions to visit, we’ve seen a real resurgence of the hospitality scene in Taranaki. With a swathe of openings in the past year, there is a new creative energy amongst the hospitality crowd which is reinvigorating the dining scene.
“As an industry it’s so important that we take time out to celebrate our success and acknowledge our achievements.”
The Taranaki Hospitality Awards Winners 2019
Antipodes Outstanding Barista
Antony Manjali, Escape Coffee
V Pure NZ Outstanding Bartender
Kerry Simeon, Crowded House
PIHMS Outstanding Waiter/Waitress
Ngapera Hohaia-Aiton, Arborio
WITT Emerging Chef
Seamus Fawkner, Social Kitchen
Gilmours Central Outstanding Chef
Robert Isbister, Meat & Liquor Steakhouse
Bidfood New Plymouth Outstanding Café
The Federal Store
Asahi Beverages Outstanding Bar
Shining Peak Brewing
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Boutique Bar
Snug Lounge
BCE Catering Equipment NZ Outstanding Street Food/Casual Dining
Gamma Rays
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
Social Kitchen
Nova Energy Outstanding Suburban/Regional Establishment
Treehouse Bar & Bistro
Eftpos NZ Outstanding Restaurant
Social Kitchen
Maurice Trapp Outstanding Sales Rep
Debra Davis – Gilmours Central
KDJ Catering Outstanding Supplier
Bidfood New Plymouth
Mediaworks Taranaki People’s Choice
Deluxe Diner
