Gault&Millau Australia announces its 2016 “Professional of the Year” Finalists
Recognising talent in hospitality
Gault&Millau Australia is proud to announce the “Professional of the Year” finalists for the second annual Gault&Millau Australia Awards. The Awards acknowledge the leaders, innovators, and success stories from the hospitality industry, in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra.
The Professional of the Year award, proudly sponsored by Electrolux Professional, recognises the dedicated restaurant professionals who demonstrate an enormous passion for the hospitality industry and a commitment to exceptional service. Even the best chefs in the world realise that quality ingredients, amazing flavours, creative menus, and exquisite plating only go part of the way to creating a fulfilling dining experience for their patrons. How guests are welcomed into the restaurant and the manner in which they are served can be just as important as any food they consume. These individuals exhibit many outstanding personal qualities – from congeniality and enthusiasm to diligence – that complement the style of their particular restaurant and demonstrate the true understanding of the term ‘hospitality’.
Mark Dorrell, the Chief Judge of Gault&Millau Australia, said: “With our fourth Australian guide launching in November, we have discovered that Australia is full of talented and hardworking front of house staff, who undeniably affect the quality of the dining experience. They’re part of this country’s evolving culinary landscape, and it’s exciting to watch.”
“For almost 100 years, Electrolux Professional has worked with chefs all over the world to design the best in commercial kitchen equipment,” says Tracy Bennett, National Sales Manager of Electrolux Professional Australia. “That’s why we understand the importance of staying connected with the industry and giving recognition to those who lead the way. We are absolutely thrilled to partner with the internationally renowned Gault&Millau Restaurant Guide and sponsor their Professional of the Year Award.”
The finalists were presented with their certificates and finalist plates at Gault&Millau Australia’s Mise en Place trade events, and the winner will be announced in Melbourne on Monday 7 November, at the launch of the 2017 Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Canberra Restaurant Guide. As the guide has expanded to include Brisbane and Canberra this year, Gault&Millau Australia will now award only one winner in each category from all four cities, making it an even greater honour than before.
2016 Professional of the Year Award Finalists, proudly sponsored by Electrolux Professional:
- Flavio Carnevale, Popolo
- Angie Giannakodais, Epocha
- Dan Gibson, Lûmé
- Erez Gordon, Bishop Sessa
- Rebecca Granlund, St Claude’s
- Kate Havey, O’Connell’s
- Natasha Janetzki, Blackbird Bar & Grill
- Tommy Lee, Paladarr Restaurant
- Thetis Navarroza, Billy Kwong
- Benn Ratanakosol, Morks Restaurant
- Steven Rhodes, ARIA Restaurant Brisbane
- Vincenzo Tomaino, SUD Food & Wine
- Paul Turner, The Loft Bar & Grill
- Vicki Wild, Sepia
8th September 2016
