be a part of this
Pictured: Some of the local restaurants and hospitality staff who have participated in the Golden Plate Awards in 2012 and 2013. the venue and value for money. President and chief judge Rita Erlich said the reviews were important. “I think the advantage of the Golden Plate Awards process for those who participate is that they receive two unbiased reports from two different judges,” she said. “It’s a valuable chance for a reality check, and that’s so important for a city like Bendigo that attracts so many visitors. “The people who come, say, to see one of the great exhibitions at the gallery, or visit the pottery, or the woollen mills, or the botanic gardens and decide to eat at a restaurant or cafe, if they don’t like it, they’ll never return to that place to eat. “The owners might simply think that they’re only one-time visitors, and they won’t return. But the truth is that there are so
many attractions in Bendigo, there’s every reason for visitors to return. “But they’ll only pay one visit to a cafe or restaurant that disappoints them in some way. So the reality check is crucial. “And what’s so important, too, is that the judges make constructive observations and suggestions.” Finalists, highly commended and winners will be announced at an awards night.
Clearly delighted with winning the awards, Nola encourages all restaurants hotels and cafes to participate. “Winning made us feel that all the work was worthwhile. Not only for me and my husband Peter, but for the staff as well,” she said. “It was like a thankyou to the staff for working so hard – a recognition of their hard work.
Proprietor of Castlemaine’s Railway Hotel, and 2012 competitor, Nola Brown, has been in the hotel business for seven years.
“And for the town Castlemaine as well, it was great to be commended. The awards gave us an opportunity to meet with other restaurateurs in Bendigo too.”
She won Best Front of House and the Railway Hotel restaurant won the Casual Dining category as well Best Value for Money. The restaurant was a finalist in the Best Chef, Best Customer Service and Best Cellar Wines categories.
Apart from providing public recognition for excellence, and value for money and confidential feedback, the Golden Plate Awards promote better business performance as well as regional hospitality. ■
“The awards night was so exiting.”
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