"Voting closed on Wednesday. The numbers were about the same as last year [3500], so we are really pleased about that. It's peer on peer, it's not a public thing at all which I think is really important."
After taking some time to mingle, people would be seated for the awards where 15 winners will walk away with a certificate and trophy.
"It's a recognition thing but also because with the nature of hospitality it's hard to get everyone together at one time. This way everyone can take a night off, it's a chance for them to get together and catch up."
For the winners, it also means recognition from the public, as they proudly boast a new title.
Now in its sixth year, the Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards continue to lift the standard of dining out in the Bay by giving businesses something to strive for. This year there were a few new contenders such as Napier's Mister D and Emporium, thrown in the mix, which only added to the excitement.
"I guess that's a reflection of the great new businesses that have opened up in Hawke's Bay," Ms Rope said.
Who's up for trophies, certificates
Orton Catering Outstanding Winery Experience
Te Awanga Estate
Clearview Estate Winery
Black Barn Vineyard
Mission Estate
Grande Gourmet Outstanding Restaurant
Fox on the Quay
Ten Twenty Four
Pacifica
Mister D
Foxton Fizz Outstanding Cafe Experience
Opera Kitchen
Tuki Kitchen
Mister D
Milk & Honey
Clearview Estate Winery Restaurant Best Ambience and Style
Mister D
Emporium
Deliciosa Tapas & Wine Room
Pipi
Steinlager Pure Outstanding Establishment
Shed 2
Rose & Shamrock
Puketapu Hotel
Emporium Eatery & Bar
Sacred Hill Outstanding Chef
Jeremy Rameka, Pacifica
Michael Hannah, Mangapapa Restaurant
Paolo Pancotti, Milk & Honey
David Griffiths, Mister D
Toops Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant
Sri Thai
Master of India
Indigo
Namaskar India Restaurant
Regal Marlborough Salmon Supporting Chef
Nathan Beilby, Pacifica
Sam Brown, Terroir at Craggy Range
Simon Ward, Shed 2/Caution
Ivan Gregoroff, Milk & Honey
Paul Forster, Mint Restaurant
PBT Outstanding Sales Rep/Supplier
Lisa Clarke, Clearview Estate Winery
Fiona Hyde, Lion
Ash Watson, DB Breweries
Steve Olley, Trinity Hill
Origin Earth Outstanding Barista
Al Borrie, Box Espresso Bar
Ted Simpson, Opera Kitchen
Jordan Barraclough, Hawthorne Coffee Roasters
Campbell Gasson, Sweet as Cupcakes
EIT Outstanding Front of House Team
Deliciosa Tapas & Wine Room
Milk & Honey
Mister D
Mission Restaurant
East Coast Packaging Outstanding Local
Puketapu Hotel
Westshore Inn
F.G.Smith Eatery
Milk & Honey
Eftpos Specialists Outstanding Front of House Personality
Sarah Watson, Deliciosa Tapas & Wine Room
Prue Barton, Mister D
Shaye Bird, Emporium Eatery & Bar
Karel Ferbar, Mister D
Kim Davis, Deliciosa Tapas & Wine Room
Restaurant Association Outstanding Winery Restaurant
Mission Estate Restaurant
Clearview Estate Winery Restaurant
Elephant Hill Restaurant
Terroir at Craggy Range
Dhall & Nash Outstanding Wine & Beverage List
The Old Church
Deliciosa Tapas & Wine Room
Mister D
Milk & Honey
