Rewards for good dining
Foxeys Hangout Winery, Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria [©Mornington Peninsula Tourism]
Good eating on the Mornington Peninsula has been rewarded this month with the inaugural Regional Awards for Excellence.
Mornington Peninsula Gourmet together with Restaurant and Catering Victoria have been delighted with the response to these Awards. This is the first year the two associations have joined forces to present the Awards, which drew 40 entrants from region.
"It is important to recognise the work that goes on in the regional food scene" said Kevin Wyatt, President of MP Gourmet. "These awards recognise excellence across a broad range of dining experiences - restaurants, cafes, bistros and more. We are also recognising the individual elements that go into creating a great dining experience; such as good coffee, front of house service, local wine lists, etc."
While the award focuses on dining experiences, the involvement of the Mornington Peninsula Gourmet means than regional producers were celebrated with a award presentation menu created to showcase local produce. Over 200 local businesses attended the award ceremony and Kevin hopes the event will attract more interest in future years.
He says it is a great way to promote dining in the area and for small business to gain recognition for the excellent service they offer.
Winners and finalists of the Mornington Peninsula Regional Awards for Excellence progress to the Victorian Awards for Excellence held on 5 August 2008. Winners will automatically progress to the Savour Australia National Awards for Excellence to be held in Brisbane on 27 October 2008.
Winners and finalists
Café Restaurant
- Red Hill Brewery - winner
- Merricks General Store - finalist
- Café Jett - finalist
European Restaurant
- Peridot Lake Estate - winner
- The Garlic Kiss - Finalist
- Acquolina Ristorante - finalist
Gourmet Retail
- Foxeys Hangout Winery - winner
- Morning Sun Vineyard - finalist
- Onde Fine Food Café - finalist
Informal Dining
- Bamboo - winner
- The Rocks Mornington - finalist
- The Boyz 4 Breakie - finalist
Modern Australian
- The Long Table - winner
- Linden Tree at Lindenderry - finalist
- Loquat - finalist
New Restaurant
- Vines of Red Hill - winner
- [no finalists]
Restaurant in a Winery
- Salix Restaurant - winner
- Montalto - finalist
- Ten Minutes By Tractor - finalist
Fine Dining
- La Petanque - winner
- [no finalist]
Excellence in Local Produce
- Red Hill Brewery - winner
Excellence in Local Wine or Beverage
Excellence in Coffee
Excellence in Front of House
Regions
- Melbourne Surrounds (VIC)
- Mornington Peninsula (VIC)
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