The owners of Les Bistronomes and Stella’s By The Lake celebrate at the R&CA Awards. Photo: Supplied/Twin Social.
The Restaurant and Catering Association Awards have been announced at a gala dinner in Melbourne.
The R&CA Hostplus National Awards for Excellence are held annually to celebrate excellence of hospitality businesses (not to be confused with the SMH Good Food Guide Awards which were held in Sydney on the same night).
These awards are judged on “hard work, exceptional food and outstanding service” in several categories across metropolitan and regional areas. Venues must be a member of the association to be eligible for awards.
Les Bistronomes won Gold for Best European Restaurant at the National R&CA Awards. Photos: Thomas Lucraft.
Canberra’s own Chef Clément Chauvin – known as Clem – won Best European Restaurant for his refined French Bistro Les Bistronomes. Despite his many years of success, he’s still humble.
“I try not to have any expectations, and I always go [to awards nights] feeling a bit pessimistic, so if I win anything, it’s a good surprise. But it was really pleasant to see that we kept that standard to shine through another year,” he told Region.
In addition to winning Gold for Best European Restaurant, Les Bistronomes also took out the Bronze medal for Best Premium Dining. Gold was awarded to Cape Restaurant at the Cape Shanck resort on the Mornington Peninsula, and Silver went to Peter Gilmore’s Quay in Sydney.
“To be Bronze just behind Quay is a pretty good result for a little restaurant from Canberra!” said Clem.
Belconnen cafe Stella’s by the Lake also picked up a few gongs at the R&CA Awards. Photo: Supplied/Twin Social.
R&CA CEO Suresh Manickam congratulated the National finalists and each of the winners on behalf of the association. The National Awards are the grand finale and the culmination of each state and territory awards for excellence events.
“We are pleased to celebrate the achievements of Australia’s most distinguished operators. To achieve Gold, Silver or Bronze at the National Awards is a testament to the hard work and culinary excellence our winners have to offer the dining public,” Mr Manickam said.
“We are continually inspired by the passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication displayed by all those who contribute to the restaurant and catering industry. From chefs and restaurateurs to all staff and suppliers, they all play a vital role in shaping the gastronomic identity of dining in Australia and enriching the lives of their patrons.’’
R&CA Awards. Photo: Supplied/Twin Social.
To win multiple years running is a vote of confidence in the hard work and success of Chef Clem and his team.
“Winning the first year felt like luck, but this year is confirmation that it’s not just luck.”
Other Canberra winners include Stella’s By the Lake, who won Gold for Breakfast Restaurant and Silver for Cafe Dining, and The Boat House, who won Bronze for Contemporary Australian Restaurant (Formal).
For the full list of winners, head to the Restaurant and Catering Association.
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