There was lots of networking at the Rotorua Hospitality Awards function naming the finalists, Rotorua Daily Post chief photographer Stephen Parker captured the social scene.
The finalists in the 2014 Rotorua Hospitality Awards are a mix of old favourites and new kids on the scene.
The 42 finalists across 14 categories were announced during the awards' launch at the Volcanic Hills Winery, Skyline Rotorua, last night, with MC Tamati Coffey.
Last year's best bar, Brew Craft Beer Pub, is again a finalist and will go up against Pig & Whistle and The Lava Bar for the title.
The 2013 Outstanding Restaurant Urbano Bistro will defend its title against two relative newcomers - Leonardo's Pure Italian and family favourite Cobb & Co.
Rotorua branch president of the Restaurant Association of New Zealand Sharon Wallace congratulated all the finalists.
"The awards are about honouring the region's hospitality industry for its outstanding commitment to this exciting and vibrant business and being chosen as a standout and as the best in the industry is something to be proud of."
This was the first time the awards were open to the Rotorua public and a record 1500 nominations were received.
"We are excited to hold the awards in Rotorua for the third year. They were created to further enhance the local and visitor experience in the Rotorua hospitality industry and it is great to see not only the industry but Rotorua locals getting in behind them," she said.
Voting is now open to the hospitality industry with individual award categories being judged by an expert team of hospitality representatives.
The winners will be announced at an awards evening at the Rotorua Convention Centre on Sunday, June 29. Details on the event, voting and a link to tickets can be found at www.rotoruaawards.co.nz.
2014 Rotorua Hospitality Awards finalists
People's Choice
Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant
Be Rude Not To Cafe
Mala Waqanimaravu - Cobb and Co
More FM Outstanding Bar
Brew Craft Beer Pub
Pig & Whistle
The Lava Bar
The Blue Baths Outstanding Barista
Christina Aldworth - Fat Dog Cafe & Bar
Cherrise Karaitiana - Abracadabra Cafe
Simon Kerr - Zippy Central Bar & Cafe
Beam Global Outstanding Bartender
Mel Rolfe - Brew Craft Beer Pub
Mala Waqanimaravu - Cobb and Co
Scott Toner - Scotty's Bar
Bidvest Outstanding Cafe
Capers Epicurean
Lime Caffeteria
Third Place Cafe
Skyline Outstanding Caterer
Blue Baths
Eurest
The Catering Company
Unilever Food Solutions Emerging Chef
Digraj Baghela - Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort
Kamal Shresdha - Sudima Hotel
Sam Shaxon - Regent of Rotorua
Menumate Outstanding Chef
Khushi Ram - Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant
Mark Solon - Urbano Bistro
Craig Martin - Peppers on the Point
Inghams Outstanding Hotel Restaurant
Atlas Restaurant - Novotel
Chapman's Restaurant - Holiday Inn
Regent of Rotorua
Service IQ Outstanding Maori Cultural Dining Experience
Mitai Maori Village
Tamaki Maori Village
Te Puia - Te Po
Tohu Wines Outstanding Supplier
Fenton Quality Produce
Gilmours
Bidvest
OneMusic Outstanding Restaurant
Cobb and Co
Leonardo's Pure Italian
Urbano Bistro
Rotorua Daily Post Outstanding Takeaway
Oppies Fish & Chips
Springfield Takeaway
Devon Seafoods
Waiariki Institute of Technology Outstanding Waiter
Jasdeep Singh - Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant
Marty Kroese - Fat Dog Cafe & Bar
Danny Stoneham - Ambrosia Restaurant & Bar