Image: Susanne Nilsson
Bocelli Caffé Ristorante have cooked their way to success for South Australia with their dish, Gnocchi Gratinati, to take out the title of regional South Australia winner in the inaugural Australian Café of the Year competition.
The wildfire tour across Australia was certainly no easy feat for the reputable judging team from Café Culture but after trawling the country in the hunt for the winning dishes and unrivalled cafés Bocelli Caffé Ristorante has come out on top as the regional winner for South Australia with their dish that featured Heinz Baked Beans and Don Pulled Pork followed by Vanilla Bean Café in Mount Gambier being awarded regional runner-up.
The panel of judges sampled the signature entry dish that each establishment had created, incorporating Heinz and Don products into their creations.
Twenty one finalists were chosen as a result of their tireless campaigning and public vote to make it through to the finalist stage where they were judged on a number of key criteria based on customer service, café atmosphere, meal and overall experience.
Andrew Nalder, Australian Café of the Year spokesperson, said, “We are thrilled to crown Bocelli Caffé Ristorante as the South Australian winner of the inaugural Australian Café of the Year competition. Bocelli Caffé Ristorante showcased a complete offering, creating a delicious and creative dish as well as giving exceptional service and creating a welcoming ambience”.
The seven regional winners from around the country each receive $1,000 cash along with a Heinz prize pack valued at $1,000 RRP.
The Bridport Café, a quirky retro café located in the small coastal town on the north east of Tasmania has proclaimed the national title and along with bragging rights, also takes home a Renault Clio RS200.
The Café of the Year competition launched in New Zealand in 2012, attracting entries from 750 cafés and 46,000 consumer votes, establishing itself as a title to be fought for.
After an intense campaign, the title of the inaugural New Zealand Café of the Year was awarded to Mairangi Bay café, Paper Moon for its winning dish. Following the hype created through their win, the owners opened a second establishment, Black Cottage which placed a begrudging second in the 2013 competition.
The first year of the Australian Café of the Year awards has proven to be a great success and cafes that missed out this year have already expressed their interest for the competition in 2015.
For further information on regional winners, finalists and the Australian Café of the Year competition, click here.
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