Region's hospitality finalists named

Laura Jaritz and David Griffiths, of Napier bar Monica Loves, at the launch of this year's Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards at the Art Deco Masonic hotel last night. PHOTO/WARREN BUCKLAND

Hawke's Bay's hospitality aficionados are letting us all in on a little secret.

They named their favourite spots to eat out, or sit down with a coffee or beer - as finalists of the hospitality awards were announced at an opening ceremony in Napier last night.

About 70 industry members turned out at the Art Deco Masonic Hotel, as well as local dignitaries Napier Mayor Bill Dalton and Tukituki MP Craig Foss.

Restaurants, bars and cafes were all nominated and judged by people within the industry, adding another stamp of approval to some of the region's top establishments.

The annual event is about honouring excellence and encouraging fresh and forward thinking across the board.

There were some noticeable newbies such as funky alleyway bar Monica Loves, the ever-chic Hugo Chang, friendly favourite JARKs Cityside and a little slice of urban life in Hastings - Little Black Bird Cafe.

Monica Loves, which has been open only since December last year, is nominated in the Clearview Estate Best Ambience and Style, Dhall & Nash Outstanding Wine & Beverage List and Steinlager Pure Outstanding Establishment categories.

The bar's executive chef David Griffiths said his team was rapt to receive three nominations.

"It's a reward for both our design team, Prue who set up the wine list, and the overall service of the bar staff in the short time we've been open. We've been working really hard on it and it's a positive sign for the business. The recognition is important to us," he said.
His team appeared alongside awards stalwarts The Old Church, Pacifica Restaurant, Puketapu Hotel and Deliciosa.

Event organiser Adele Fitzgerald of Food Hawke's Bay was pleased to see a mixture of old and new faces.

"I think that's what keeps it interesting, to see it's not just the same ones rolling out.
"There are new places making an impact on the restaurant and bar scene that are getting everything right - and we see a return of old faces who may have dropped out and the ones that are constant," she said.

It was a direct reflection of the local scene keeping its finger on the pulse of what was happening in New Zealand's cities, with regard to what was new in food, beverage and decor.

"We are not that far from Auckland, we are not that far from Wellington - people in the trade and visitors are aware of what the new trends are and are aware of what's good - and we have picked up on that."

The awards were a special kind of recognition because they were a direct reflection of people who worked in the same trade, Ms Fitzgerald added.

Hospitality people will now turn their attention to voting for the winners of all 13 categories, to be announced during a glitzy evening at MTG Century Theatre on Monday May 25, followed by an industry party.

Paul Anderson of Basepoint is showing support for Hawke's Bay's best coffee shops by sponsoring the category, and was pleased to see locals backing locals.

"Hospo people are passionate about what they do and, being in a customer-driven business, are constantly being monitored by the general public," he said.