After a record number of nominations, organisers of this year's Rotorua Hospitality Awards have announced their finalists.
Restaurant Association of New Zealand Rotorua branch president Sharon Wallace said the number of nominations was an "endorsement that the industry values the awards as a means to support and recognise each other and are a real tribute to the calibre of talent in Rotorua hospitality".
"The committee were overwhelmed by nominations this year and the popularity of the awards are continuing to go from strength to strength," Mrs Wallace said.
"The awards are about recognising the region's hospitality industry for their outstanding commitment to Rotorua - being voted by your peers as being the best in the industry is something to be proud of."
Outstanding Barista finalist Stephanie Davies from Capers Epicurean said she was surprised to be nominated.
"The recognition from the industry means a lot and I'm pretty excited."
Mrs Wallace said the voting process was the most important step in the awards process.
Winners for each category would be decided by those in the industry, with the individual categories independently judged by hospitality representatives.
Establishments nominated would also be mystery shopped to measure performance and overall experience.
She said the general public were being encouraged to vote for the Rotorua Lakes Council People's Choice Award category.
"This vote is awarded to an establishment that excels in customer service, consistency in food preparation and delivery, welcoming ambiance and style with an attention to detail and they are always willing to go that extra mile."
2017 Voting is now open!Head to www.rotoruaawards.co.nz and start voting for our Hospitality Stars today!
Posted by Rotorua Hospitality Awards on Tuesday, 30 May 2017
She said the calibre of the contestants, cafes, bars and service providers was high and very competitive.
Ticket sales for the Moroccan-themed gala awards evening at the Energy Events Centre open tomorrow and the awards will be held on Sunday, July 2.
"There will be a lot of surprises at the awards ceremony, but they are top secret at the moment," she said.
Details regarding voting and tickets to the awards can be found at www.rotoruaawards.co.nz.
Rotorua Hospitality Awards Finalists 2017:
- More FM Outstanding Barista
Andrew Phillips - Revolver Espresso
Melissa Riini - Skyline Rotorua
Stephanie Davies - Capers Epicurean
- Bidfood Outstanding Cafe
Fat Dog Cafe & Bar
Lakeside Cafe
Third Place Cafe
- Indian Star Emerging Business
Artisan Cafe
The Factory Smokehouse & Grill
SOBAR
- Skyline Rotorua Outstanding Sales Representative
Donna Bloore - Jasco Distributing
Nick Patel - Fenton Quality Produce
Rohan Knowles - Diverse Distributors
- Restaurant Association of New Zealand Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant
Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant
Lovely India Restaurant and Bar
Wild Rice Thai Cuisine
- Gilmours Tauranga Outstanding Takeout
Delhi Hutt
Devon Seafoods
Oppies Fish & Chips
- Simply Pure Outstanding Bartender
Mel Rolfe - Brew Craft Beer Pub
Scott Barlow - Skyline Rotorua
Mayur Keluskar - Rydges Rotorua
- Monin Outstanding Bar
Brew Craft Beer Pub
Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar
SOBAR
The Lava Bar
- Menumate Point of Sale Outstanding Front of House Team
Atticus Finch
CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen
Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant
Urbano Bistro
- Service IQ Emerging Chef
Subin Samuel - Rydges Rotorua
Binoy MB - Skyline Rotorua
Talia Runga - Capers Epicurean
- Ingham's NZ Outstanding Chef
Alan Haslem - Regent of Rotorua
Isabel Ronquilo - Market Kitchen
Victor Edelsten - Capers Epicurean/Pig n' Whistle
- OneMusic Outstanding Restaurant
Atticus Finch
CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen
Lone Star Restaurant & Bar
- Events & Venues Excellence in Event Hospitality
Crankworx Rotorua
Okere Falls Beerfest
Rotorua Night Market
Rotorua Summer Seafood Festival