Matariki Hospitality Awards sees people vote Pear Tree the best

The people have spoken and they say it's top nosh at The Pear Tree restaurant.
The Kerikeri eatery took out top honours in the new category The People's Choice Award at the 2011 Matariki Hospitality Awards presented yesterday at Forum North, Whangarei.
The Matariki awards, presided over by a panel of judges, recognise Northland's finest performers in the hospitality industry.
The judges deliberated last month, while the public voted online to decide who received the People's Choice award. They had 36 nominees to consider, including 13 in the Far North.
For Pear Tree owner Neil Brazier, The Radio Network People's Choice Award was the ultimate compliment.
"It's massive ... it's the one you want. It's a huge compliment from the public to think you deserve it."
Some of his 16 years as a chef have been spent as the boss at Kauri Cliffs.
He reckons the best sellers on the Pear Tree menu include a cheese souffle, a trio of beef and for dessert, a tasting plate with up to seven different dishes.
Second runner-up was Whangarei's Salut Bar and Brasserie and first runner-up was Nectar Cafe, also on Bank St, Whangarei. Ten other awards were handed out.
Hughie Blues, the Northland executive for the New Zealand Chefs Association, said the Matariki awards were the pinnacle for those working in the region's hospitality trade.
"It's a positive recognition of the achievers. The awards raise the bar in terms of service and the quality of food," Mr Blues said.
His involvement in the industry includes 12 years as the owner of the Waikokopu Cafe on the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi, a finalist in the Cafe of the Year section.
"The awards are in their fifth year and are starting to gain momentum and people really want to win them."
Winners:
Nestle Professional Northland Caterer of the Year: A'Fare; Cheers Party Hire Northland Food & Beverage Supplier of the Year: Penguin Wholesalers; Penguin Wholesalers Northland Service Person of the Year: Sam Te Kani, Salut Bar & Brasserie; Penguin Wholesalers Northland Restaurant Manager/Maitre'd of the Year: Sean Peters, Salut; Northern Advocate Northland Recognition of Training Award: The Culinary Institute of New Zealand; Harvest Wholesale Northland Innovative Chef of the Year: Brenton Low, 'a Deco; Hancocks Northland Hospitality Ambassador of the Year: Kate Claydon; LK Whangarei Northland Gastro Pub of the Year: Parua Bay Tavern; BIDVest Northland Cafe of the Year: Food @ Wharepuke; Pernod Ricard (NZ) Northland Restaurant of the Year: 'a Deco restaurant.
Full results www.northernadvocate.co.nz