The cream of the Otago region’s hospitality industry is to be celebrated at the inaugural Otago Hospitality Awards; an industry event aimed at highlighting the very best of the region.
Among the finalists named in this year’s Awards, is new Dunedin pub come cocktail lounge Woof! which is nominated for outstanding bar and ambience & design. The front of house team is also nominated for outstanding service along with a nod for bartender Seb Coxon-Aristizabal in the outstanding bartender category.
Woof!
Nordic eatery ADJØ is nominated for four awards including emerging chef nominations for Daniel Priest and Jonas Jessen Hansen. Owner operator, Jonas, is originally from Denmark and ADJØ’s menu showcases comforting, delicious dishes from that part of the world.
A passion project for owner Jonas who left his photography career behind to follow his dream of opening the restaurant, the nominations are just rewards for his leap of faith into the hospitality industry.
The Otago region is not short of top places to dine with Moiety, No.7 Balmac, Prohibition Smokehouse and Tītī all nominated for outstanding restaurant.
Casual dining and take out has surged in popularity over the last few years and Dunedin eateries Citizens Food Truck, Comes First Diner, Coopers Hot Chicken and Kenty's Southern Style BBQ have all been recognised with nominations for best street food or takeout.
The Otago Hospitality Awards celebrate and promote the region’s food and beverage offerings, recognising the champions who deliver the flavours, experiences and gastronomic wonders bringing visitors from near and far to the region. Brought to you by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand with the support of lead sponsor Trents Wholesale, the Otago Hospitality Awards are an important development for the region, from the refined elegance of the country’s oldest urban centre, Dunedin through to the border of the Southern Lakes District these awards are all about celebrating and promoting the excellence of the region's food and beverage offerings.
Awards are given in 15 categories, providing recognition for individuals – both industry experts as well as emerging talent – and establishments of all kinds.
Final voting will begin on Tuesday 26th July and winners will be revealed on 22nd August at an event held at The Regent Theatre, Dunedin.
Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois said that as hospitality starts its recovery from several challenging years, it is encouraging to see long-established venues such as Number 7 Balmac joined by new and emerging venues like Woof!
ADJØ
“Otago is an incredible foodie destination, where heritage buildings house hip new eateries and some of the best bartenders in the country host a great party scene after sundown. The awards give us a great opportunity to celebrate their successes and give people a reason to go out and sample them.”
In addition to the judged entries in 14 categories, Bidois said the Otago community is invited to vote for their favourite establishment in The Hit’s People’s Choice Award category. Voting is through the Hospitality Awards website (see below).
Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook page @otagohospitalityawards and Instagram @otagohospitalityawards
Otago Hospitality Awards 2022 Finalists:
Outstanding Barista
Ashley Heydon, ADJØ
Chloe Bennett, No.7 Balmac
Gabriel Griffin, RdC Espresso
Sam Valentine, Morning Magpie'
Toast Bar
Outstanding Bartender
Alex Stoddart, The Alchemist Mixology
Jamie Hughes, Toast Bar
Nick Aitchison, Mr Fox Lounge & Tapas Bar
Seb Coxon-Aristizabal, Woof!
Outstanding Front of House Team
Buster Greens
No.7 Balmac
Tītī
Woof!
Emerging Chef
Daniel Priest, ADJØ
Danny Howlett, Carey's Bay Hotel
Jonas Jessen Hansen, ADJØ
Seira Asai, Riverstone Kitchen
Outstanding Chef
Ayumi Satozaki, Jizo Japanese Restaurant
Hannes Bareiter, Tītī
Quillan Gutberlet, Prohibition Smokehouse
Sam Gasson, Moiety
Outstanding Street Food/Casual Dining
Citizens Food Truck
Comes First Diner
Side On
Coopers Hot Chicken
Kenty's Southern Style BBQ
Outstanding Café
Kiki Beware
RdC Espresso
Side On
The Corner Store Cafe
Outstanding Bar
Emerson's Brewery
Mr Fox Lounge & Tapas Bar
Woof!
ZANZIBAR Dunedin
Outstanding Ambience & Design
No.7 Balmac
Pequeño Lounge Bar
The Press Club Dunedin
Woof!
Outstanding Regional Establishment
Arc Brewing Co.
Casafuego Eatery and Bar
Cucina
Riverstone Kitchen
Tītī
Outstanding Restaurant
Moiety
No.7 Balmac
Prohibition Smokehouse
Tītī
Outstanding Sales Rep
Anthony O'Connor, Federal Merchants & Co
Craig Kenton, Total Food Equipment
Jane Mccombie, Bidfood Dunedin
Keri Johnston, Bidfood Dunedin
Outstanding Food & Beverage Producer
Brightside Microgreens
Havoc Farm Pork
Sandymount Distillery
SeaBreeze Greens
Outstanding Supplier
Aitkens
Bidfood Dunedin
SeaBreeze Greens
Vern Paddock Project
