Brisbane Wrap Up: Brisbane Times Good Food Guide Awards

Words by Matt Huxley

It’s not often that Brisbane gets its very own award show. But on the 29th of June, Lightspace in the Valley was transformed for the Brisbane Times Good Food Guide 2016 Awards, or, as I like to call them, the Emmy’s of Brisbane food.

Invited as a special guest of main sponsors Vittoria Coffee, myself and the gorgeous Ashleigh from The Blonde Silhouette were treated to a night of delicious food, fantastic restaurants and great chat.

The cavernous space was outfitted with scattered bar tables, and the odd buffet. With bartenders bringing around fresh trays of espresso martinis – my fave – and champagne, everyone was having a great time eating and catching up.

Chef Alistair McLeod was MC of the evening and he did a fantastic job introducing special guests, announcing awards, and ensuring that the evening progressed smoothly (for a full list of winners check out the end of the article.)

Once the serious part of the evening was done it was time (finally) to do some serious munching. Note to future restaurants, do not let me loose on a cheese buffet. You WILL lose money. It was great catching up with the Brisbane food bloggers as well as a few other industry creatives. I gained a few insty followers – @infirmofpurpose, you’re welcome – and had a pretty fucking great time.

And then the dessert tray came over. At first the waitress thought we were only in it for the photos. But fret not dear readers, we soon strongly assured her that we intended to sample the delectable donuts she presented us with. How’s that for alliteration.

After a few too many desserts it was time to leave, making sure to grab a generous Santa Vittoria gift bag on the way out – so keen to try my Vittoria Coffee Coffee Beans!

It was a fantastic night, and congratulations certainly goes to all the restaurants that won these prestigious awards.

Photo credits go to the fantastic Jared Vethaak from JV Photography.

Winners:

Vittoria Coffee Restaurant of the Year: Esquire

Citi Chef of the Year: Josue Lopez, GOMA Restaurant

Young Chef of the Year: Ollie Hansford, Gauge

Best New Restaurant: The Catbird Seat Bistro

Santa Vittoria Regional Restaurant of the Year: Wasabi Restaurant and Bar

Wine List of the Year: Aria

Champagne Pol Roger Sommelier of the Year: Shawn Gomes, Il Centro

Citi Service Excellence: Francois Le Saveant

Best Cheap Eat: Bird’s Nest Yakitori

Best Bar With Food: Gerard’s Bar

Drink’s List of the Year: Black Bird Bar and Grill

Vittoria Coffee Legend: Philip Johnson, E’cco Bistro

Food for Good: Mark Rotolone and Vanessa Diana, Vine Restaurant

People’s Choice Award: Indulge Cafe

xoxo