Winners across the various Eat.Taste.Central categories were crowned at Cloudy Bay Shed in Cromwell this afternoon (November 15), bringing the 2022 event to a close.

Anthony Longman from Tourism Central Otago thanked the venues and participants for entering this year, especially given the staffing challenges that many venues face.

As the winners were announced, it became clear that Central Otago has a lot of up-and-coming young talent in hospitality. 

Harry Bonning-Snook took out the Chef/Cook award and was the mastermind behind the Premium Plate winner, The Cloudy Bay Shed’s Lamb tartare.

Winner Premium Plate category: Lamb Tartare, The Cloudy Bay Shed, Cromwell

Harry, thrilled at his wins, appreciated the recognition of the Cloudy Bay team and the supportive nature of the competition.

“It’s really great to get positive feedback from your peers as well as customers,” he said. 

Winner Pie Category: Rabbit Pithivier, Carrick Winery & Restaurant, Bannockburn

Carrick Winery and Restaurant co-owner Ali Cleland also noted the collaborative aspects of the competition while commending her team. Carrick had two wins with best pie and best young talent.

Winner Burger category, Cardrona baa burger, Burger Afloat, Lake Dunstan Trail

It was two wins for Coffee and Burger Afloat as well, as they took out best burger and the award for sustainability and innovation. 

“It’s awesome to be championing local produce and we are always brainstorming new ideas and improvements,” Jolanda Foale, one of the owners of the solar-powered stop on the Dunstan Trail, said.

Pitches Store in Ophir almost took home two awards as well. Chef Susan Goodwin was highly commended in the chef/cook category and took out the main dish award. 

Winner main meal category: Provenance Lamb Loin, Pitches Store, Ophir

Susan “enjoyed the process” of coming up with the dish and owner Colleen Hurd was chuffed to see her new chef realise her potential. 

“She’s so innovative and keen.”

Colleen Hurd and Susan Goodwin of Pitches Store, Ophir

Paula Moore from Buffalo’s American Food Co. in Cromwell won the front of house award. 

Paula said the competition was an amazing experience. Though the win was a surprise to Paula, she acknowledged that she works hard at making her customers feel better each day.

Many finalists and winners commented on the pleasure of showcasing Central Otago products in their dishes.

The camaraderie between contestants was visible and perhaps not surprising after a couple of tough years in the industry. 

Everyone seemed eager to enter again next year, some chefs already dreaming up their future dishes, so Eat.Taste.Central will likely be on the menu in 2023.

 The winners of the E.T.C Judges Awards for the Regional Menu are:

• Main Meal: Pitches Store, Ophir - Provenance Lamb Loin

• Burger & Sandwich: Burger Afloat, Cromwell – Cardrona Baa Burger

•  Pie: Carrick Winery & Restaurant, Bannockburn – Rabbit Pithivier

• Premium Plate: The Cloudy Bay Shed, Cromwell – Lamb Tartare

The winners of the E.T.C Judges Awards for People and Businesses are:

• Front of House: Paula Moore, Buffalo’s American Food Co. Cromwell.

• Young Talent: Ashleigh Cleland, Carrick Winery & Restaurant, Bannockburn.

• Chef / Cook: Harry Bonning-Snook, The Cloudy Bay Shed, Cromwell.

• Highly Commended: Susan Goodwin, Pitches Store, Ophir

• Sustainability & Innovation: Coffee & Burger Afloat, Cromwell