Hospo reach for the top once again

Media release 8th March 2012

Hospo reach for the top once again

The Hawke’s Bay Hospitality Awards 2012 nominations open on Thursday 8th March to the industry. The event, running for the 5th year in a row has become an important part in the region’s event calendar. It recognises the workers in all areas of Hospitality and gives them a platform to give themselves and each other a pat on the back.

To keep the event current and keep up with industry trends we welcome a few changes and additions to categories.

Toops Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant is new in 2012, this acknowledges the vast range of great ethnic restaurants we have in Hawke’s Bay and also these are where a lot of industry workers choose to eat on their days off!

EIT Outstanding Front of House Team replaces waiter, as we feel the service out the front of a restaurant is generally a ‘team’ effort; it is easy to see which teams are functioning well!

Orton Catering Outstanding Winery Experience is a great category this year acknowledging the vast array of experiences that Wineries in Hawke’s Bay are providing us with. From concerts to pizza Friday’s, gift shops to Chill Pill afternoon’s the winery experience is far more than just the cellar door.

Steinlager Pure Outstanding Establishment opens up the category to recognise the wide array of eating, drinking, music and entertaining establishments that are out there.

VJ Distributors Outstanding ‘Local’ is the hub of the community and a place where family and friends meet regularly and feel welcome, while still being fed and watered to a high standard. This establishment must fit the ethos of the community where it sits.

Dhall & Nash Outstanding Wine & Beverage List is a new category acknowledging the restaurant’s ability to put together a well-balanced, interesting wine list and have knowledgeable staff to sell it.

The Hospo Awards voting process is open only to the Hospitality Industry in Hawke’s Bay (Wairoa to Dannevirke) which allows workers to nominate who they believe is the best in up to 15 different categories.

The nominations are then counted and the top four become finalists in each category where the industry will again vote for the MOST OUTSTANDING in the industry.

“It is quite reassuring for members of the public to know establishments and people within our industry are worthy of recognition, almost a stamp of approval, makes their dining choices easier” General Manager of Food Hawke’s Bay, Jane Libby says.

Events like this do not happen without the support of sponsor businesses, they truly believe in this industry and are willing to be part of an exciting event like this one.

Mrs Libby says “we are very pleased to have our inaugural sponsors on board once 2 again and also welcome Dhall & Nash, Toops, Geon, Steinlager Pure and Orton Catering on board as new sponsors for this years’ event."

Categories for 2012 include:

Food Hawke’s Bay Outstanding Chef
Eftpos Specialists Outstanding Front of House Personality
Restaurant Association Outstanding Winery Restaurant
EIT Outstanding Front of House Team
Simply Squeezed Outstanding Café Experience
Dhall & Nash Outstanding Wine & Beverage List
GEON Outstanding Barista
Toops Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant
VJ Distributors Outstanding ‘Local’
Grande Gourmet Outstanding Restaurant
Sacred Hill Outstanding Supplier/Sales Rep
Steinlager Pure Outstanding Establishment
Regal Marlborough Salmon Emerging Chef
Clearview Estate Best Ambience/style
Orton Catering Outstanding Winery Experience

Members of the public can enjoy following the voting process as the best of the best unfolds in Hawke’s Bay.

If you are part of the Hospitality Industry and need further information on how the nomination and voting process works please go to our website www.hbhospoawards.co.nz. Finalists will be announced on 16 April at a media launch with the winners being announced at the Awards evening on the 21st May followed by a huge celebration.

Ends

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