Penfolds Magill Estate has won Restaurant of the Year for the second year in a row at the 2016 SA Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence, announced on Monday 18 July.
Blanco Catering, Trinity Gardens, won Caterer of the Year for the second time in a row.
One thousand of South Australia’s best restaurateurs, caterers and caf operators gathered in Adelaide to celebrate the industry’s achievements, recognising those that provide great food, exceptional service and value for money.
The winners of the major award categories include:
- Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant, Magill – Restaurant of the Year
- Blanco Catering, Trinity Gardens – Caterer of the Year
- Caf Sia Gawler, Evanston – Caf of the Year
- Chianti, Adelaide – Hall of Fame, Breakfast
- George’s on Waymouth, Adelaide – Hall of Fame , European Restaurant
- Eldert Hoebee – Lifetime Achiever
Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA) CEO John Hart congratulates all of the winners who were judged as the best in their category.
“The winners should be proud of their achievements. It’s pleasing to see operators who have achieved consecutive wins over the years.
“Operators tell us time and time again consistency is the key to success. To see the major award recipients win two years in a row is a testament of their dedication to their craft day in and day out,” said Hart.
For the first time this year, R&CA has established the Caf of the Year award, which was won by Caf Sia Gawler, Evanston. Hart said the award recognises the value of the caf culture to the dining experience.
Lifetime Achiever Eldert Hoebee, founder of Plenty Catering Co. Eldert established his business in 1988, served as R&CA state president between 2000 and 2003, and was the state’s first Gold Licence Caterer.
“Eldert’s dedication and stewardship is second to none. A pioneer of our industry, his passion is unwavering. It is a great pleasure to recognise one of the forefathers of South Australia’s culinary scene,” said Hart.
R&CA Deputy CEO Sally Neville said it’s important to recognise the contribution of hospitality staff to the dining experience. “Serving great food is only one part of the mix – it has to be met with the enthusiasm of its staff for the experience to be memorable. The Awards for Excellence recognises those individuals who make our industry great,” She said.
Matt Fitton from Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard won the award for Best Chef, having won R&CA’s Apprentice of the Year Award in 2013. Hayley Wilkinson from the Hilton Adelaide won Best Apprentice Cook, while Sharon Romeo from Fino Seppeltsfield won Best Maitre D’/Manager.
The SA Awards for Excellence marks the beginning of the R&CA awards season, with six award ceremonies held across the country. Some of this year’s winners will go on to represent their state at the National Awards for Excellence held in Sydney on 24 October.
