One of Ponsonby's longest-surviving restaurants and a colourful waterfront eatery are vying for the most titles at the Restaurant Association's hospitality awards this month.
Prego, which is fast approaching 20 and regarded as one of Ponsonby Rd's top restaurants, and Euro, a stalwart of the Viaduct, both have three nominationsfor the association's Lewisham Awards. Both are up for outstanding maitre d' and waiter, while Prego is nominated for best restaurateur (Krishna Botica). Euro's man in the kitchen, Shane Yardley, is up for outstanding chef.
Four restaurants or bars are in contention for the best ambience and style award - Match in Pitt St, Ponsonby's SPQR, Swashbucklers in Westhaven and Ottos in the Metropolis building - while the outstanding hospitality nominees are Vivace's Mandy Lusk; Tony Adcock, owner of Harbourside and Fish; Simon Gault, co-owner of Jervois Rd Italian eatery Felice; and Clive Weston from Negociants.
Winners will be announced on May 29 at a function at SkyCity.
The nominees include:
Outstanding Maitre d'
Brandon Lelaulu, Prego; Jeremy Turner, Cibo; Vincent Rey, Euro; Mark Wallbank, Rocco.
Outstanding Waiter
Robere Pothier, the George; Donna Robinson, Prego; Des Hoeflich, Cibo; Jeremiah Yeeh, Euro.
Outstanding Bartender
Steve Colthart, Tabac; Stafford Williams, the Coco Club; Selena Clarke, Plum; Richard Burns, Mo's.
Outstanding Barista
Cameron Woodcock, Agnes Curran; Brooke Peterson, Dizengoff; Nick Berry, Grace; Chris Adams, Rosehip.
Outstanding Sommelier
John Ingles, Number 5; Peter Allen, Cin Cin on Quay; Prue Barton, Vinnies; Ely Briguet, Antoines.
Outstanding Chef
Michael Meredith, the Grove; Simon Wright, the French Cafe; Shane Yardley, Euro; Sonya Paget, the George/Jimmy C.
Innovative Chef
Amanda Morris-Baker, Rice; Michael Van de Elzen, Molten; Morgan Lonegan, Bella; Natalia Schamroth, Reuben.
