Hospitality 'Oscars' finalists announced

The shining stars of Auckland’s hospitality scene have been revealed.

Four finalists in each of 16 categories are vying for votes in the lead up to the 11th annual Lewisham Awards on Sunday 2 June.

Finalists have been announced at a function attended by many Auckland hospitality heavyweights at The Cloud this afternoon.

More than 5,000 submissions have been received since nominations opened on March 18.  Lewisham Foundation chairman Chris Upton says in their 11th year the awards are as popular as ever.

“We are rapt to see so many nominations come through this year - it illustrates just how strong the camaraderie is within the Auckland hospitality industry,” he says.

Upton says the line-up of finalists is an impressive one.

“The Moet Hennessey Outstanding Hospitality Personality is one of our top awards and we’ve got four of Auckland’s most popular hospo faces vying for it - Michael from The Grove, Poni from Monsoon Poon, Vicky from Soul Bar & Bistro and Damaris from Cocos Cantina & Bar.

“It’s going to be a great contest and we can’t wait to see who takes out the title,” Upton says.

The full list of finalists is below and voting is now open across all categories.  Upton encourages all those in the hospitality industry to cast their vote at www.lewishamawards.co.nz before 4.00pm on Sunday 26 May.

The organising committee is expecting more than 900 guests at the annual awards ceremony at SKYCITY and after party at The Studio on K Road on Sunday 2 June.

The Lewisham Awards were instigated by Negociants New Zealand managing director Clive Weston. Weston saw an opportunity to assemble a pro bono committee, many of whom are still involved in the Lewisham Foundation, to celebrate the hospitality talent in Auckland. 

Keep an eye on the Lewisham Awards website and Facebook page for event updates.

http://www.lewishamawards.co.nz/
https://www.facebook.com/LewishamFoundation

Lewisham Awards 2013 finalists

Telecom NZ Outstanding Supplier
Mineral Ltd
Pernod Ricard
Tickety Boo
Vintners

Restaurant Association Outstanding Sales Representative
Daniel Walker, Neat Spirits
Jacqui Clarke, Tickety Boo
James Barber, Mineral Ltd
Jana Conway, Hancocks

Caffe L'affare Outstanding Coffee Establishment / Barista
Connor McKay, Mojo Coffee
Lili Deng, Cereal Killer
Rodney Bass, Catroux
Martin Yong, Twentythree

Federal GEO - Angostura Outstanding Bartender
Barney Toy, Rakinos
James Goggin, Foodstore
Phil Mead, The Whiskey
Dan Sullivan, Montage

Crombie Lockwood Outstanding Waiter
Des Dillon, Soul Bar & Bistro
Yaeko Kato, Eight Point Two
Michelle Moore, French Café
Jess White, Mexico, Britomart

Sky City Auckland Convention Centre Outstanding Maitre d'
Ismo Koski, Sidart
Kate Barnes, Mexico
Anna Alkema, The Grill
Gen Ogata, 601

Negociants Outstanding Wine Service Professional
Sven Neilson, Molten
Piers Hazard, Botswana Butchery
Cameron Douglas, AUT
Julien Le Quere, Winehot

Eurovintage Outstanding Wine List
Molten
Golden Dawn
Clooney
O’Connell Street Bistro

APRA & PPNZ Outstanding New Venue
Ortolana
Late Night Diner
Pinxtos
Maldito Mendez

George FM Outstanding Local
Freida Margolis
Gypsy Tea Room
Portland Public House
Winehot

Beam Inc Outstanding Bar
Mea Culpa
The Whiskey
Montage
Foodstore

Menumate Outstanding Auckland Establishment (Established)
Monsoon Poon
Prego
Number 5
Clooney

Sous Chef Outstanding Chef
Hayden McMillan, TriBeCa
Mark Southern, Foodstore
Nick Honeyman, The Commons
Mikey Newlands, Bracu

Moana Pacific Seafood Emerging Talent
Oliver Scott, 1885
Dominique Fourie, Meredith’s
Scott Langley, Corner Store
Brenton Thornton, Euro

Pernod Ricard Outstanding Restaurateur
Lindsay Swannack, Eight Point Two
Damaris Coulter, Cocos Cantina & Bar
Scott Brown / Jackie Grant, Hip Group
Cat Vosper, Casita Miro

Moet Hennessy Outstanding Hospitality Personality
Michael Dearth, The Grove
Poni Sula-McClelland, Monsoon Poon
Vicky Pethybridge, Soul Bar & Bistro
Damaris Coulter, Cocos Catina & Bar