Meet stars of Rotorua's Indian food

Jasdeep Gill (left) and Ray Singh were big winners at the Rotorua Hospitality Awards. Photo/Stephen Parker

At last month's Rotorua Hospitality Awards, perennial favourite Indian Star took out the inaugural People's Choice award. To top off a great night for the Eat Streat restaurant, its manager Jasdeep Gill was named Outstanding Waiter.

Ray Singh, Indian Star owner

What did it mean to you to win the People's Choice award?

To win this award means a lot to me, it's something to be proud of and acknowledgement of our hard work that we put into the business.

The most important thing about winning this award is that this year Indian Star has been chosen by the Rotorua community which provides me lot of satisfaction.

What qualities do you think make your restaurant stand out from others?

The hospitality industry depends on three powerful tools - quality, cleanliness and service - which we try to maintain at all times.

What are your goals for Indian Star in the coming years?

My goals for Indian Star are to maintain our standards and our vision to expand the business as opportunities will come in the future.

Jasdeep Gill, Outstanding Waiter

What do you think makes you an outstanding waiter?

To meet the level of service expected by the customer and give them satisfactory answers to their queries about our menu.

What do you think of the service levels in Rotorua?

I don't think I am capable to judge the level of service of other businesses in Rotorua.

I just focus on myself to improve my performance.

What was the most memorable service experience (good or bad) you've ever had?

It is good to remember the good experiences rather than the bad ones.

The best one that I remember and will not forget ever is, while the mystery shoppers were judging me for this award, one of the judges told me that she gave me 10/10 for my service and an extra two marks for my smile.

What inspires you to go the extra mile when serving customers?

The excellent guidance from my mentor Ray Singh and the appreciation from our wonderful guests which inspires me a lot to go extra miles.