The team from Stratosfare Restaurant celebrate winning the outstanding restaurant award at the Rotorua Hospitality Awards last night PHOTO/BEN FRASER
The team from Stratosfare Restaurant celebrate winning the outstanding restaurant award at the Rotorua Hospitality Awards last night PHOTO/BEN FRASER
Its location puts it above the rest - now Stratosfare Restaurant has proved its food and service is at the same high level.
The restaurant at Skyline Rotorua dominated last night's 2015 Rotorua Hospitality Awards, taking out the outstanding restaurant award with chef Lily Carnaby picking up the emerging cheftitle, waitress Te Aroha Dehar taking out the outstanding waiter award and Kunal Sharma picking up the outstanding bartender title.
The awards were presented at a Winter Wonderland themed awards dinner at the Distinction Hotel attended by about 430 people.
Event co-ordinator Vanessa Wallace said it was Stratosfare's night. It was judged the top restaurant because it offered "a complete dining experience complemented by an outstanding beer and wine list".
"I think they are setting standards within the industry and have a lot to be proud of. They really have raised the bar," Miss Wallace said.
Stratosfare opened in November after a $2 million revamp of the restaurant and more than two years of planning.
At the time, general manager Bruce Thomasen said the restaurant team wanted to create an innovative experience which "redefined" what people expected of a buffet.
Image 1 of 14: Rotorua Daily Post advertising team. l-r Rick Galvin, Emma Long, Chrissie Aratema, Maureen Matthews, Mary-Anne Kapene, Judith Graham
Miss Wallace said Abracadabra Cafe & Bar were the "standout" winners in the people's choice category.
She said it was pleasing to see female talent coming through and being recognised in what had previously been a male-dominated area, with two female winners this year.
The Icon of Hospitality Award went to Gregg Brown, who owns Capers Cafe and Pig & Whistle.
Miss Wallace said he "really stood out", not just in what he had achieved through his two businesses, but the wider work he did to contribute to the Rotorua community.
She said judges had a tough time with several keenly contested categories.
"All of the finalists are an excellent example of the talent Rotorua has," she said.
The winners:
* Spark Business Rotorua Icon of Hospitality: Gregg Brown.
* The Coffee Club Outstanding Barista: Christina Aldworth (Fat Dog Cafe & Bar).
* Gilmours Outstanding Cafe: Picnic Cafe.
* Rotorua Daily Post Outstanding Takeaway: Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant.
